Special Education Needs
Information for Parents
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Sporting Stars Academy is a supportive and inclusive 14-19 school.
We support and value the abilities of all our students regardless of their individual needs. It is our duty to provide equal opportunities for every person in our care and to offer a safe learning environment which caters to the needs of every student as an individual. We are committed to inclusion within the school curriculum and participation in all aspects of school life.
The Academy is committed to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities can fulfil not only their academic potential and achieve their ideal educational outcomes, but also achieve physically, creatively, emotionally and socially.
SENCO / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Hannah Bennett
Sporting Stars Academy are now proudly working alongside Dr. Joe White of Fieldfare Psychology.
In consultation with our families and SENDCo, Fieldfare Psychology complete individual consultations, exploring whether a child or young person may meet the diagnostic criteria for a specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia); a learning disability (sometimes called an intellectual disability); or can complete work which explores whether an onward referral for neurodevelopmental assessment (in relation to autism and/ or ADHD) would be beneficial.
We are also able to complete more strategic, proactive, and preventative work throughout the academic year, working with both individuals and small groups of students on therapeutic interventions.
Dr Joe White’s qualifications are as follows:
- Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology, The University of Manchester (2019-2022);
- Master of Science (MSc) in Psychology (with distinction), Manchester Metropolitan University (2017-2018);
- Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) in Primary Education, The University of Manchester (2014-2015);
- BA (Hons) in English Literature (first class), The University of Manchester (2009-2012).
Further details regarding FieldFare Psychology can be found on their website: Visit Website 🔗
Dr. Joe White
Fieldfare Psychology
Sporting Stars Academy Achieves Bronze Trauma-Informed Schools Accreditation
Sporting Stars Academy is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Bronze Accreditation through the Trauma Informed Attachment Aware Schools (TIAAS) programme, recognising the academy’s commitment to creating a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where every young person can thrive.
The accreditation acknowledges the substantial work undertaken across the academy to embed relational and trauma-informed practices into everyday school life. This journey has included reviewing policies and procedures, introducing a new behaviour policy, and providing extensive staff training in trauma awareness, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), emotion coaching, restorative approaches and relational practice.
A key focus has been on understanding each pupil as an individual and ensuring that support is tailored to their needs. The academy has developed a range of strategies to help pupils regulate their emotions and access support, including daily wellbeing check-ins, restorative conversations, sensory resources, breakout spaces, safe spaces for self-regulation and personalised transition arrangements for new students.
The report highlighted the positive impact these approaches have had across the school community. Staff have seen improvements in pupils’ emotional regulation, communication and engagement, with pupils increasingly seeking support from trusted adults and accessing help before reaching crisis point. The academy has also reported reductions in behavioural incidents and suspensions for some pupils, demonstrating the effectiveness of its pupil-centred approach.
Educational Psychologists from Stoke-on-Trent City Council praised Sporting Stars Academy for embedding trauma-informed and relational practice in a meaningful and practical way, noting the stronger relationships, improved communication and more reflective staff responses that have resulted from this work.
The academy would like to thank all staff for their dedication and commitment throughout the accreditation process. Special recognition is also given to Daniel Hill, Sporting Stars Academy’s RAiE Lead, whose contribution was specifically commended within the accreditation report. The assessment team highlighted Daniel’s pivotal role in driving the academy’s trauma-informed journey forward, praising his consistent commitment, leadership and engagement throughout the project.
Achieving Bronze TIAAS Accreditation marks an important milestone in Sporting Stars Academy’s ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing, development and success of every learner. The academy looks forward to continuing this journey and building upon these strong foundations in the years ahead.
Downloads:
Useful Links:
- City of Stoke on Trent – SEND Local Offer – Visit Website 🔗
- Staffordshire Connects – SEND Local Offer – Visit Website 🔗
- SENDIASS SOT – Families & Young People in Partnership – Visit Website 🔗
- SENDIASS Staffs – Staffordshire Family Partnership – Visit Website 🔗
- British Dyslexia Association: Website – Visit Website 🔗
- National Autistic Society: Website – Visit Website 🔗
- National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN) – Visit Website 🔗
- National Dyspraxia Association: Dyspraxia Foundation – Visit Website 🔗
- ADHD Foundation: Services for Families – Visit Website 🔗
- Young Minds – Parents Mental Health Support – Visit Website 🔗
- RNIB: Information for parents of children with vision impairment – Visit Website 🔗