At St Mary’s, we believe that every child has a unique light to shine. Our vision - Aspiring, nurturing, flourishing; together shining a light - is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that all children, including those with additional needs, are valued, supported, and celebrated.

Our SENDCo, Mrs Jane Budd, leads our SEND provision with care and expertise. She can be contacted at senco@stmarys698.herts.sch.uk.

We are passionate about removing barriers to learning so that every child can grow in confidence and achieve success. We work in close partnership with families, ensuring that all children feel safe, valued, and encouraged in their learning journey.

Our inclusive approach means that support is tailored to each child’s strengths and needs. This may include:

• High-quality, inclusive teaching within the classroom
• Small group and 1:1 interventions to provide additional guidance
• Peer mentoring and pastoral support to nurture confidence and friendships.

Children receiving SEN support will be part of a continuous cycle of Assess-Plan-Do-Review, ensuring that their progress is carefully monitored, and next steps are thoughtfully planned in collaboration with parents and teachers.

Our commitment to compassion, understanding, and high aspirations ensures that every child can shine. Our open-door policy means we are always here to listen, support, and work together with families. If you have any concerns, please speak with the SENDCo, Headteacher or Assistant Headteacher.

Neurodiversity Week 23rd - 27th June 2025

During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we explored and celebrated the unique strengths and differences that make each of us who we are. With a focus on ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, children took part in assemblies and class discussions to deepen their understanding and empathy. We reflected on how to be kind, supportive friends and recognised that everyone has their own “superpowers.” The week was a chance to shine a light on the value of inclusion and belonging and helped us continue to grow as a school where every child is supported to flourish.

What is Delivering Special Provision Locally (DSPL9)?

DSPL is a Hertfordshire-wide partnership approach where parents, staff in early years settings and schools, further education colleges, local authority officers and representatives from other agencies, work together as part of an Area Group, reviewing and developing the range of provision and support services available to their local community that :

• Meets the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), aged 0-25, as close to home as possible.
• Improves outcomes for wellbeing and attainment
• Widens choice for children and parents/carers
• Removes barriers to learning
• Uses resources more effectively

Further information can be found by clicking on the following link:  http://dsplarea9.org.uk/

The Hertfordshire Local Offer

The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them. 

Further information can be found by clicking on the following link:  https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/local-offer/the-hertfordshire-local-offer.aspx