Special Educational Needs (SEN)

At Samakee, we place great importance on identifying special educational needs (SEN) early so that we can help children as quickly as possible. Once it has been decided that your child has SEN, staff working with your child take into account the Samakee SEN Policy. The policy describes how we help children with special educational needs at Samakee through a step-by-step or graduated approach.

Our graduated approach recognises that children and young people learn in different ways and can have different kinds or levels of SEN. So increasingly, step-by-step, specialist expertise is brought in to help our school with the difficulties that a child may have.

If your child does not seem to be making enough progress or needs a lot more extra help, the school may contact parents so that an assessment can be carried out for your child by a Developmental Paediatrician at Merak Clinic. This is only required for a very small number of children and is only necessary if the school cannot provide all the help that your child needs. It is usually only required for children who have the most significant and long-term special educational needs which need a very detailed assessment.

The approach may include:
an individually-designed learning programme
extra help from a learning support assistant who may be assigned to your child. This occurs if it is decided by the multidisciplinary team that your child is unable to access the curriculum independently. The decision is reached and agreed on by all people working with the child.
being taught individually or in a small group for regular short periods
drawing up a personal plan in liaison with Merak and or our Inclusion Leader, including setting targets for improvement, regular review of progress before setting new targets.
Merak HomeSchool meetings with parents, carers, Merak therapists and teachers who work with your child.

Parent Teacher Group

The Parent-Teacher Group (PTG) is an essential, long-standing tradition at Samakee, and is without a doubt one of our school's greatest strengths. It's where the synergy of parents and staff creates a truly exceptional environment for our students.

A group of people, including adults and children, gathered around a table with various food items, including a large pizza, in what appears to be a casual, home-like setting.

Why Your Involvement Matters

We deeply believe that when parents are involved, students thrive. Your participation—whether it's sharing ideas, dedicating time, or offering your talents—is invaluable for our students.

For those families who are new to our school, we particularly encourage you to connect with the PTG! It is one of the best ways to meet other families, understand school life, and quickly feel at home in the Samakee community.

The image shows a person in a red shirt assisting two other individuals, who appear to be children, in an activity or task. The background suggests a classroom or educational setting.

A smiling woman wearing a t-shirt with an American flag stands in a classroom, with posters and student desks visible in the background.

PTG-Organised Events

The dedicated work of the PTG brings our community together through a host of fun, memorable events and initiatives throughout the year. These events not only raise essential funds but also build the strong, supportive spirit Samakee is known for.

Some of the wonderful events traditionally organized by the PTG include:

International Day: A vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures within our school.
Movie Night: A fun, family-friendly evening under the stars.
Bake Sales: Sweet treats to support various school projects.
Christmas Hamper Raffle: A festive tradition to raise funds for the school.
...and many other activities that enrich the school experience!

Get Started Today!

We invite you to reach out and discover how you can get involved. Together, we can move forward with the many activities and experiences that benefit our students, parents, and staff, making Samakee the best it can be.