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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 Testimonials

A group of people, mostly women, are gathered in a room with hanging lights, showcasing various fashion items and accessories.
St. Andrews Samakee : Proven Excellence

Hear from parents about the outstanding academic progress and confidence their children have gained.

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St. Andrews Samakee : Joining Our Samakee Family

Discover why our parents describe Samakee as a true family atmosphere and community.

A group of smiling young women in colorful, floral-patterned dresses stand in front of a backdrop featuring the Union Jack flag, surrounded by various food and drink items on a table.
St. Andrews Samakee : Where Wellbeing Comes First

Parent testimonials highlight the warm, nurturing environment and dedicated staff who ensure every child feels safe, valued, and happy every day.

Warm, Supportive Environment

Although it's a small school, it’s incredibly warm! My son absolutely loves it here. Since moving to this school, not once has he ever said he didn’t want to go.— From a Year 5 Parent

Strong Teacher Support & Hidden Potential Unlocked

Both of my sons study at Samakee.
Even when they’ve had late nights, they always wake up happy and ready to go to school. Most importantly, the teachers have discovered potential in my sons that I hadn’t seen at home. It’s truly a small school with a big heart — a second home for our family.— From a Year 4 & 6 Parent

Personalised Learning for Every Child

This school may not have a large campus, but its educational approach and management surpass those of many bigger schools. If a child is ready for more advanced work, the school doesn't wait—they provide appropriately challenging lessons in every subject. At the same time, if a child needs more time, there’s no pressure. Learning is scaffolded at the child’s pace, focusing on building confidence and strong foundations. Children are proud of their own learning journeys — whether in academics, sports, music, or arts. The result is happy, confident learners. This is an excellent educational model that I wish more schools would follow.  No surprise the school earned an Outstanding Gold Award from the UK inspection team. My child has been here since KG and is now in Year 5 — never a dull day at school! — From a Year 6 Parent

Holistic Opportunities & Smooth Transition Abroad

My son attended Samakee from Year 1 to Year 8. It’s a small school, but it’s warm and filled with opportunity. He participated in everything from swimming and football to stage productions. When he moved to Year 9 in the UK, he had a strong foundation and adjusted smoothly.— From a Year 8 Alum Parent

A Second Home

Sending my child to Samakee has been the best decision I’ve ever made. My child started in Year 1 and is now finishing Year 9. He’s happy and smiling every day when I drop him off and pick him up. The academics are excellent, and the teachers are amazing. The advantage of a school that goes up to Middle School is the nurturing environment — perfect for young learners through pre-teens. All the children know one another. My child feels safe, confident, and free to express herself without fear of bullying. He can sit and eat or play with anyone — there are no cliques. By the time he’s ready to move on, she’ll be strong and secure, ready to thrive in a larger high school setting. If I had to choose again, I’d still choose Samakee.— From a Year 9 Alum Parent

Nurturing Individual Growth & Leadership

My son started his school here and he had been nurtured so well. This place was the best for our little ones to grow up and shine in their individuality and at their own pace. The Head of School knows all the kids and always shows such a positive attitude toward each child. I’m very thankful to the Head of School and all the teachers and staff at SAS 😍😍— From a Year 6 Parent

Family-Like Atmosphere from EY to Year 9

My child has been here from EY1 through to Year 9. To us, this isn’t just a school — it truly feels like a second home. She’s always been happy here.— From a Year 9 Alum Parent

Warm, Supportive Environment

Although it's a small school, it’s incredibly warm! My son absolutely loves it here. Since moving to this school, not once has he ever said he didn’t want to go.— From a Year 5 Parent

Strong Teacher Support & Hidden Potential Unlocked

Both of my sons study at Samakee.
Even when they’ve had late nights, they always wake up happy and ready to go to school. Most importantly, the teachers have discovered potential in my sons that I hadn’t seen at home. It’s truly a small school with a big heart — a second home for our family.— From a Year 4 & 6 Parent

Personalised Learning for Every Child

This school may not have a large campus, but its educational approach and management surpass those of many bigger schools. If a child is ready for more advanced work, the school doesn't wait—they provide appropriately challenging lessons in every subject. At the same time, if a child needs more time, there’s no pressure. Learning is scaffolded at the child’s pace, focusing on building confidence and strong foundations. Children are proud of their own learning journeys — whether in academics, sports, music, or arts. The result is happy, confident learners. This is an excellent educational model that I wish more schools would follow.  No surprise the school earned an Outstanding Gold Award from the UK inspection team. My child has been here since KG and is now in Year 5 — never a dull day at school! — From a Year 6 Parent

Holistic Opportunities & Smooth Transition Abroad

My son attended Samakee from Year 1 to Year 8. It’s a small school, but it’s warm and filled with opportunity. He participated in everything from swimming and football to stage productions. When he moved to Year 9 in the UK, he had a strong foundation and adjusted smoothly.— From a Year 8 Alum Parent

A Second Home

Sending my child to Samakee has been the best decision I’ve ever made. My child started in Year 1 and is now finishing Year 9. He’s happy and smiling every day when I drop him off and pick him up. The academics are excellent, and the teachers are amazing. The advantage of a school that goes up to Middle School is the nurturing environment — perfect for young learners through pre-teens. All the children know one another. My child feels safe, confident, and free to express herself without fear of bullying. He can sit and eat or play with anyone — there are no cliques. By the time he’s ready to move on, she’ll be strong and secure, ready to thrive in a larger high school setting. If I had to choose again, I’d still choose Samakee.— From a Year 9 Alum Parent

Nurturing Individual Growth & Leadership

My son started his school here and he had been nurtured so well. This place was the best for our little ones to grow up and shine in their individuality and at their own pace. The Head of School knows all the kids and always shows such a positive attitude toward each child. I’m very thankful to the Head of School and all the teachers and staff at SAS 😍😍— From a Year 6 Parent

Family-Like Atmosphere from EY to Year 9

My child has been here from EY1 through to Year 9. To us, this isn’t just a school — it truly feels like a second home. She’s always been happy here.— From a Year 9 Alum Parent


Additional feedback from recent Parent Questionnaires:

  • We’re very happy with St. Andrews and highly recommend the school to new families living in the area.
  • St. Andrew's is amazing. I see so much growth in both our daughters and I am very happy for them to attend school there. You are an exceptional school.
  • My son has made so much progress since the start of the year, which is a result of the school. Thank you.
  • SAS management is doing great work for the children’s education we are proud to be called SAS parents. My SAS grows more each day.
  • This is a truly nurturing and inclusive school.

Upper School Parent

  • My son has truly thrived at SAS-Samakee. The differentiated care has been exceptional. He has developed academically so that he can independently manage his own school work in a way that assures me he is ready for high school. For the first time, maybe ever, he reports that he likes school, and he looks forward to going to school each day. There's no way I can express enough gratitude to share how appreciative we really are. But--thank you!

Key Stage 1 Parent

  • We are lucky that our son attends St. Andrew’s for Year One. He is happy and eager to attend school every day. What a wonderful feeling that is. He loves his teacher and his school. We feel he’s learned quickly, and we are grateful for the wonderful, positive experience his first year of school. Thank you. He is excited for Year Two.

     

Additional Praise(Short Comments)

“A small school, but big on heart.”
From a Year 9 Alum Parent

“My daughter studies here — the school is fantastic!”
- From a KG Parent

“Agreed! My son has fallen in love with this school. Warm, happy, and attentive to every detail. Small but mighty!”
– From a Year 4 Parent

“Best school 👏” 
– From an Inclusion Parent