Useful Links

Useful Links

Part of castle school education trust

"Castle School Education Trust is committed to high quality education across the primary, secondary and sixth form key stages. Our schools cover the South Gloucestershire area. We encourage independence within each school within a strong framework of values."

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Downend

Supporting Students - SEN

Year groups

The lower school is organised into 5 year groups, each with its own Leader of Student Progress.  Within each year, a team of 9 Form Tutors has a responsibility for a group of students, a form group comprises of an average of 30 students.

The Form Tutor

The Form Tutor is the key adult in the school life of a student.  Wherever possible, the Form Tutor remains with their group for the extent of the students’ first five years at the school.  The Form Tutor meets their students every day and is responsible for registering and monitoring attendance and delivering a programme of personal and social education.

The Form Tutor is the first point of contact with the school for most issues.  The tutors develop quickly an in-depth understanding of the students in their care. Parents are encouraged to share any concerns with the Form Tutor who is the adult in school who knows best their child.

Student Services

Student Centre - A one-stop student reception area.

Any questions a student may have, anything they might need to know - Student Centre can help or point them in the right direction.  Student Centre direct line - 01454 862134 

Mrs Ally Budd, Student Centre Manager ally.budd@cset.co.uk 

First Aid

The Medical Room is manned throughout the school day by a qualified First Aider. The room is situated in  the Student Centre.

If your child is ill or injured in school you will be notified by a member of staff and asked to collect them if deemed necessary.  Please report to Reception for collection.

It is important that parents/carers contact details are updated as soon as they change.

Staff in the Medical Room can administer medication to your son/daughter/ward as long as a 'request to administer medication' form has been completed.  This is a voluntary service provided by the school.

Medical Room direct line - 01454 862518

Learning Support

The centre staff comprises a large team of support staff and learning support assistants as well as 6th form volunteers who offer in class and individual support.  Students with vision, hearing and physical impairments are effectively supported and integrated as well as those with learning difficulties.  The school has excellent working relationships with the full range of support services.  We are a caring school, which aims to ensure that each student, with his or her unique talents and needs, is recognised and cared for as an individual.

To contact the Learning Support Faculty Head Mrs Hannah Scott-Mullen please email cas-senco@cset.co.uk

Mentoring

We have a large team of Mentors available to support students who need a little extra help and guidance in school. The team is made up of school staff, local youth workers and volunteers from the community.  The support offered is tailored to the needs of the individual with behavioural, emotional or social difficulties however big or small.  We also regularly run courses for improving self esteem, anger management and being safe.  For further information please contact Mrs Ally Budd, Student Centre Manager/Lead Mentor ally.budd@cset.co.uk 

Careers Officer

We have a well-resourced and up to date Guidance Centre, which also includes a selection of DVDs, videos and CD ROMS and leaflets on numerous topics from finance to teenage health matters.

The Careers Officer may be in contact for one to one interviews, usually informal discussions, on referral.   For further information please contact Mrs Melanie Price, Work Related Learning Manager melanie.price@cset.co.uk