Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Our College is committed to providing an inclusive, supportive, and high-quality education for all students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We recognise that every young person has unique strengths and areas of need, and we strive to ensure that all students are able to access a broad and balanced curriculum, achieve their full potential, and feel valued within our college community. Through a graduated approach, we work closely with students, families, and external professionals to identify needs, provide appropriate support, and remove barriers to learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment where all learners feel safe, confident, and supported to succeed both academically and personally. Our team consists of Clare Edwards and Sarah Duplain, SENCOs and Lisa Mayhew, Targeted Support Manager, support by Jane McGregor, SEND SLT Line Manager. Please feel free to contact us with any queries you may have.
We recognise that families may benefit from additional support beyond the College environment. As part of our commitment to working in partnership with parents and carers, we provide signposting to a range of external services, including local authority support, health services, and specialist organisations. These links offer advice, guidance, and practical support for a variety of needs, helping families to access the right support at the right time.
At Unity College, we support students across the four broad areas of SEND as set out in the SEND Code of Practice: Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), and Physical/Sensory needs. We are committed to working closely with students, families, and external professionals to ensure every child is supported to achieve their full potential. To help parents and carers access further guidance and advice, we have included links to a range of trusted supporting websites within each of these areas. These resources offer practical strategies, information, and signposting to additional support.
Cognition and Learning needs describe how a child thinks, understands information, and learns new skills. Pupils with these needs may find aspects of learning more challenging and may require additional support to help them make progress. This category includes needs such as moderate learning difficulties, specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia), and difficulties with memory, processing speed, attention, literacy, numeracy, reasoning or problem‑solving. With appropriate teaching strategies, targeted interventions and support, children with cognition and learning needs can build confidence and achieve positive learning outcomes.
The British Dyslexia Association – The British Dyslexia Association provides trusted advice and support for parents of children with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Their website offers easy to understand information, practical tips, and guidance on getting the right help at school and at home.
Dyspraxia in Children – Dyspraxia Foundation – The Dyspraxia Foundation offers clear and reassuring information for parents of children with dyspraxia (also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder). Their website explains what dyspraxia is, how it can affect children at home and school, and shares practical advice to help children build skills and confidence.
Communication and Interaction needs affect how a child understands language, expresses themselves, and interacts with others. This may include difficulties with speech and language, social communication, or understanding body language and social cues. This category includes needs such as speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and autism spectrum condition (ASC). With the right support and teaching approaches, children can develop their communication skills, confidence and positive relationships.
National Autistic Society – The National Autistic Society provides trusted information and support for parents of autistic children. Their website offers clear guidance on understanding autism, practical advice for home and school, and information about assessments, services and support available to families.
Community and Neurodisability Paediatrics : East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust – This NHS service supports children and young people with developmental, medical and neurodevelopmental needs. The website provides information for parents about assessments, clinics and support available for children with complex needs, helping families understand services and access appropriate care.
Help for families – Speech and Language UK: Changing young lives – Speech and Language UK provides clear information and practical support for parents of children with speech, language and communication needs. Their website offers advice on understanding difficulties, supporting communication at home, and accessing help and specialist support when needed.
Social, emotional and mental health needs affect how children manage their emotions, behaviour and relationships. This category includes difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation, ADHD, attachment needs, behavioural difficulties, attention and impulse control, and challenges with self‑esteem or coping with change. These needs can affect learning and wellbeing, but with understanding, consistent support and the right strategies, children can develop resilience, confidence and positive relationships.
Tips for everyday living | ADHD and mental health | Mind – Mind provides clear and supportive information for parents of children with ADHD. This page explains how ADHD can affect a child’s mental health and wellbeing, and offers practical advice to help families understand challenges, find support and promote positive mental health.
Home – Kooth – Kooth provides free, confidential online mental health support for children and young people. The website explains how young people can access advice, counselling and self help resources, helping parents understand the support available for emotional wellbeing and mental health.
About Us | Adhd North West – ADHD North West provides information, advice and support for parents of children with ADHD. Their website offers guidance on understanding ADHD, practical strategies to support children at home and school, and details of local services, courses and support available to families.
Childline | Free counselling service for kids and young people | Childline – Childline offers free, confidential support for children and young people who may be worried, upset or at risk. The website helps parents understand the support available, including advice, online resources and a 24 hour helpline where young people can talk to a trained counsellor about anything that is worrying them.
Physical and sensory needs affect how a child moves, uses their body, or responds to sensory information from their environment. This category includes physical disabilities, medical needs, fine and gross motor difficulties, and sensory impairments such as hearing or vision impairment. It can also include sensory processing differences, where children may be over‑ or under‑sensitive to sound, light, touch or movement. With the right support, adaptations and specialist input where needed, children with physical or sensory needs can fully access learning and school life.
Action Hearing Loss – Action on Hearing Loss provides information and support for parents of children who are deaf or have hearing loss. Their website offers clear guidance on understanding hearing needs, communication options, and accessing support, helping families support their child at home and in school.
RNIB | Homepage of the Royal National Institute of Blind People – RNIB offers trusted information and support for parents of children with visual impairment. Their website provides clear advice on understanding vision needs, practical support at home and school, and guidance on accessing services and specialist support.