Head’s Newsletter – Friday 3rd July 2026
03.07.2026
SEND Policy & Information Report
Important Update on SEND and Education Reforms found here.
Dear Parents & Guardians,
I am writing to you as the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) for Tiffin School, where we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and diverse learning environment for all members of our student and staff body.
Our commitment to inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, and it is with great pleasure that I share with you the various initiatives and provisions in place to ensure that every individual, regardless of their unique needs, feels supported and valued within our school community.
Understanding and addressing barriers is fundamental to our mission. We recognise the diverse range of needs that our students may face, and our dedicated team of professionals, including four highly trained and experienced Learning Support Assistants, Therapeutic Practitioner, and SENCo for each key stage, work collaboratively to provide tailored support. Whether it’s specific learning difficulties, social and emotional challenges, or medical requirements, we are committed to breaking down barriers to learning.
Needs We Address in the School:
To create an environment conducive to learning, we actively address the diverse needs present in our school. Our dedicated staff, including the Lead SENCo who oversees exam provision and the medical register, ensures that every student’s requirements are met. Our team currently supports students with ASC; ADHD; ERSA; Visual Impairment; Dyslexia & SpLD; Tourette’s and emotional and mental health needs. Our goal is not just academic success but the holistic well-being of every individual. This means we also may make referrals on your behalf to external agencies such as CAMHs and the Educational Psychologist team.
Provision the School Can Provide:
Our school is equipped with a range of provisions designed to meet the needs of our diverse student body. These include:
- Individualised Education Plans (IEPs): Tailored plans for students with specific learning needs to ensure they receive targeted support in their academic journey.
- Therapeutic Support: The presence of a therapeutic practitioner ensures that students facing emotional or behavioural challenges have access to professional guidance and support.
- Inclusive Curriculum: We are committed to providing a curriculum that embraces diversity and accommodates various learning styles, ensuring that every student can engage meaningfully with their education. This is done universally through Quality First Teaching.
- Academic & Co-Curricular Support: Our learning support team offer academic mentorship tailored to each key stage, support in helping your child access the wider curriculum, and guidance in developing executive functioning skills.
- Accessibility Measures: Our facilities are designed to be accessible to all, and we continuously strive to improve physical and digital accessibility in the school environment.
- Regular Training for Staff: Our staff undergo regular training to enhance their understanding of diverse needs, fostering a culture of empathy and support.
In conclusion, Tiffin School is dedicated to creating an environment where every student can thrive. We appreciate the partnership we share with parents, guardians, and the wider community in achieving this vision. If you have any specific concerns or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to our SEND team, who are here to collaborate with you in the best interests of our students.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Rachel Dyer
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)
Key Information
Key Contacts
Tiffin SEND Team: sen@tiffin.kingston.sch.uk
Mrs R Dyer: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). Responsible for all additional needs provision in the school. Also in charge of the Medical Needs register and exams access arrangements.
Ms A Merchant: Deputy SENCo. Responsible for additional needs provision for KS3 (Y7-9) and Y6-Y7 transition.
Mrs M Underwood: Deputy SENCo. Responsible for therapeutic well-being for all SEND students. As our SEND Therapeutic Practitioner, she supports students with mental health needs, emotional regulations and psychoeducation in either group sessions or 1:1. Family/parental guidance for neurodiversity is also provided for those with extreme need.
The following are our fantastic team of Learning Support Assistants, who may be in lessons with your child, but also specialise in 1:1 and group support outside of the classroom.
Mrs C Adams: Supports KS3 students with academic progress and literacy skills.
Mr L Jackson: Supports students with SEND in accessing the wider curriculum at Tiffin, and exploring work experience placements for Y11 and Y12.
Mrs K Jones: Supports KS4 and KS5 students with executive functioning skills and strategies, as well as assessing for EAA.
Mrs H Langton: Supports KS5 students with academic progress and literacy skills.
Mrs D McNair: Supports KS3 students with academic progress and literacy skills.
Ms A Merchant: Supports KS3 and KS4 students with academic support, literacy skills and executive functioning strategies.
Mrs A Pratheepan: Supports KS3 students with executive functioning skills and strategies.
SEND Link Governors
Ms A Jones and Ms F Davies: Provide strategic oversight, monitoring and challenge to ensure high-quality provision.
Helpful Links
SENDIASS: Special Educational Needs and Information Advice and Support Service.
Richmond & Kingston SENDIASS: Our local advice and support service.
ADHD Embrace: A charity supporting parents and professionals who live and work with kids and teens with ADHD.
Achieving for Children’s Local Offer
Achieving for Children’s Educational Psychology Service