To support all children to attend school well, schools use inclusive provision and practice as part of their Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision (OAIP).
OAIP describes the inclusive provision and practice that all Devon schools, early years, and post 16 settings should be able to provide for all children and young people, including those with SEND, from within their own resources. This will support all children and young people to attend, engage and thrive in their educational setting.
There is a section on attendance and belonging which outlines the support schools can put in place and includes:
- Soft starts to the day and/or ways to support transitions from home to school. A soft start is a way to ease children into school at the beginning of the day in a calm and gentle way. Examples of this include going to breakfast club, reading before starting lessons, having time with a trusted adult to talk about the day ahead, or starting school at a slightly different time to avoid coming in with lots of people at the same time.
- Giving your child alternative places to go for break and lunch times if they find social places too crowded.
- Reasonable adjustments to uniform and behaviour polices.
- Adaptations to teaching and homework.
- Regular home and school communication.
If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing and attendance, speak to a member of school staff. It is likely that through small adjustments within school, your child can be supported.