School Information Report

School Information Report

Our Ethos at St Martins School

St Martins is a happy, safe, and caring learning community where relationships are built on mutual respect, and every individual is valued.

In our aspirational environment, learning empowers everyone. Through hard work and positive contributions, students grow in independence and are prepared for a successful future.

St Martins is:
- Like a family, built on trust and mutual support.
- A place where kindness, helpfulness, and respect are at the heart of everything we do.

St Martins can:
- Support each student to achieve their goals.

St Martins will:
- Prepare students for adulthood and promote independence.

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

The SEND Code of Practice (January 2015) defines SEND as:

"A student has SEN where their learning difficulty or disability calls for special educational provision that is different from or additional to that normally available to children or young people of the same age."

At St Martins, we are committed to helping every student overcome barriers to learning so they can reach their full potential.

Working Together with Parents and Carers

We value strong partnerships with parents and carers. You can talk to us about your child’s learning through:
- Phone or email contact with your child’s pastoral teacher.
- Meetings with the pastoral team, Key Stage Leads, or Senior Leadership Team.
- Parents’ evenings (held each term – Autumn, Spring and Summer).
- Annual review meetings for your child’s Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Our SENCO – Heather Woodward

Heather Woodward is the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at St Martins. She ensures that EHCP objectives are reviewed annually and that provision is tailored to support positive outcomes.

Heather’s responsibilities include:
- Supporting teachers and staff to help students make progress.
- Working with external professionals (e.g. STEPs, Speech and Language Therapy).
- Liaising with agencies such as Educational Psychology, CAMHS, and Social Care.
- Managing consultations for Year 6 to Year 7 transitions and in-year transfers.

 

Types of SEND We Support

We provide support across the four areas of need outlined in the SEND Code of Practice:

• Communication and Interaction (e.g. Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech and language difficulties)

• Cognition and Learning (e.g. Moderate and Severe Learning Difficulties)

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health

• Physical and Sensory Needs (e.g. hearing, vision, sensory processing)

Many students may need support in more than one area.

 

Our School

St Martins joined the Shaw Education Trust in May 2020. We cater for students aged 11–16 (Years 7–11) and offer Post-16 provision through our Horizons Sixth Form and DFN Project SEARCH internship programme at Derby Royal Hospital.

We are co-located with Noel Baker School on the Derwent Campus and currently have 230 students on roll. Our curriculum is creative, ambitious, and built around the SHAPE concept.

 

Support Available at St Martins

We ensure high-quality teaching and learning by:

• Adapting planning and teaching styles to meet individual needs.

• Using differentiated resources and ICT tools.

• Providing targeted support from teachers and classroom staff.

• Implementing strategies recommended by the SENCO and external professionals.

Adaptations may include:

• Small group work

• Support from the Wellbeing Team

• Personalised timetables

• Vocational and creative programmes

• Sensory breaks and sensory room access

• Visual timetables and communication aids (e.g. Makaton, symbols)

• Use of workstations and colour overlays

 

External Agencies We Work With

With parental consent, we may refer students to specialist services such as:

• Speech and Language Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Complex Behaviour Service

• Social Care

• STEPs

• Connexions

• Educational Psychology

• School Nurse

These professionals may work directly with your child and offer strategies for home and school.

 

Monitoring Progress

Student progress is monitored by class teachers, Key Stage Leads, and the SENCO. We use the Steps Assessment System and hold termly Pupil Progress Meetings. Progress is also reviewed during EHCP annual reviews and discussed at Parents’ Evenings.

 

Raising Concerns

If you’re concerned about your child’s progress:

1. Speak to your child’s pastoral teacher.

2. If further support is needed, contact the SENCO or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Supporting Wellbeing

We believe that emotionally healthy students learn best. Our pastoral and Wellbeing Teams offer:

• Support from the Designated Senior Mental Health Lead

• Family Support Practitioner

• Learning Mentors

• Positive play and Lego therapy

• Outdoor Learning

• Sensory interventions and sensory room access

• Peer mentoring/Mental Health Champions

• Time with our school dog, Martin

 

Voluntary Services

We work closely with local organisations that support families:

• Umbrella

• Fun-abili8y

• Disability Direct

More resources: Derby SEND Local Offer

 

Support for Parents and Carers

We are here to support you. Your child’s pastoral team is your first point of contact. We also have a dedicated Family Support Team who can help with referrals and signposting to services such as Early Help.

 

Medical Needs

We follow statutory guidance for supporting pupils with medical conditions. Individual care plans are created in consultation with families and professionals. Staff are trained in paediatric first aid and specific medical needs.

 

Accessibility

Our purpose-built site (opened in 2012) is fully accessible and includes:

• Accessible toilets and showers

• Lift and hoists

• Rise-and-fall sinks and cookers

• Calm areas and sensory room

• Outdoor spaces for learning and wellbeing

We are committed to inclusion and equality. Our Equality Policy outlines our approach.

 

Transition Support

If St Martins is named in your child’s EHCP, the Local Authority will consult with us. We assess whether we can meet your child’s needs and respond accordingly.

Once a place is confirmed, we offer:

• School visits

• Open evenings

• Transition support from previous settings

Transitions can occur between Year 7 and Year 13.

 

Preparing for Life Beyond St Martins

Our curriculum prepares students for independence and adulthood. In Years 10 and 11, students explore Post-16 options, including our Horizons Sixth Form. A Preparing for Adulthood Advisor supports students and families throughout the process.

 

Student Voice

We value student input and encourage active participation through:

• Head Students and School Council

• Derby City Youth Forum

• Interview panels

• School tours and visitor engagement

• Annual questionnaires

• Review meetings

• Student vision statement and communication charter

 

Staff Training

Our staff are committed to ongoing professional development. We have a highly skilled and experienced team who stay up to date with best practices and evolving needs.

 

Complaints

We take all concerns seriously and aim to resolve them quickly and positively. Our Complaints Policy is available online.

For our Complaints Policy, please go to: https://www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk/our-school/policies

Our School information report is also available to download through our policies page.