What support from outside does the school use to help my child?
The school works with a number of external agencies to seek advice and support to ensure that the needs of all children are fully understood and met. These include:
Educational Psychology Service
Our attached Educational Psychologist works with the SENDCo, the teachers, the support staff, the parents and the children to assess children’s needs, set appropriate learning targets, give advice to staff about the best ways to help children meet the targets and support referrals to other services. She will support applications for statutory assessment if a request for an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is thought to be necessary.
Merton Language and Learning Support Team
Merton Language and Learning Support Team | Merton directories
The Merton Language and Learning Support Team consists of a team of specialist language and learning teachers and speech and language therapists. They have expertise in the areas of learning difficulties, specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia) and speech, language and communication issues.
They deliver speech and language therapy to pupils of statutory school age (age 5 – 16) who attend a Merton school (including the LA’s two special schools) who have speech and language therapy provision detailed in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Merton Autism Outreach Service (MAOS)
Merton Autism Outreach Service (MAOS) | Merton directories
Merton Autism Outreach Service (MAOS) supports the inclusion of pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social Communication Difficulties in mainstream settings. MAOS works in an advisory role with schools supporting staff in developing their understanding of ASD and sharing tools and strategies to enable pupils to access learning and social opportunities.
Merton Virtual Behaviour Service (VBS)
Merton Virtual Behaviour Service (VBS) | Merton directories
The Virtual Behaviour Service is for children, young people and their families and mainstream schools providing support and advice to improve behaviour. The service works closely with those children and young people presenting with challenging behaviour and/or at immediate risk of exclusion.
MIASS
MIASS (Merton Information, Advice and Support Service) is co-commissioned by Merton Council and the NHS to provide free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support to children and young people (aged 0-25) with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) and their parents/carers who live in Merton.
Virtual School for Children who are Looked After
Virtual School for Looked-After Children | Merton Council
This service oversees and monitors provision for children who are in care of the Local Authority
Guys & St Thomas’ NHS Health Trust
Follow this link for advice, strategies and tips to support your child with their speech and language development at home.