SEND
Introduction to SENCO – Dr Georgie Ford
At Winterstoke Academy, we are deeply committed to inclusion and equity in education—ensuring every student, regardless of need, has access to high-quality learning experiences. Our universal SEND provision is rooted in excellent classroom teaching, guided by a dyslexia-friendly approach that benefits all learners and promotes confident, independent reading.
Early identification of need is central to our ethos. We prioritise recognising barriers to learning—especially around reading—at the earliest opportunity, so that timely, targeted support can be put in place. From screening to intervention, we work to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed.
As SENCO, I champion inclusive classrooms where all students feel supported and understood. I coordinate exam access arrangements, manage SEND funding, and ensure that vital student information is communicated clearly and effectively across our team—so that no child is overlooked.
We believe that strong partnerships with families are key to student success. That’s why we host a parent forum three times each term, offer informal meet-the-team opportunities, and run regular parent carer coffee mornings. We also provide dedicated sessions with our Mental Health Education Practitioner to support wellbeing and open dialogue.
Together, we’re building a learning environment where every child can thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially.
Meet Jo, Our Deputy SENCO
Jo plays a vital role in supporting our inclusive learning environment at Winterstoke Academy. As Deputy SENCO, she leads our student screening processes, including Dyslexia assessments, Speech and Language Link, and wellbeing screeners—ensuring early identification and tailored support for every learner.
Jo also coordinates our Teaching Assistant (TA) provision, making sure students receive the right support at the right time, whether in the classroom or through targeted interventions. Her work helps us maintain a responsive and nurturing SEND provision that puts student wellbeing and progress at the heart of everything we do.
Supporting Parents and Carers at Winterstoke Academy
At Winterstoke Academy, we believe that strong collaboration with families is key to unlocking every child’s potential. Our SEND team is here to support you—whether you’re seeking guidance, resources, or simply a listening ear.
We’re happy to meet with parents and carers by appointment, allowing us to make the most of our time together and tailor support to your child’s individual needs. These meetings offer a space to ask questions, share concerns, and explore strategies that work best for your family. We also offer our termly parent forum as an informal opportunity to touch base with the team.
To further support you, we recommend exploring the excellent resources available on the Sirona website, which includes helpful information on ADHD and other areas of need. You can also view the North Somerset Local Offer for a comprehensive overview of services and support available in our area.
We’re proud to work closely with North Somerset Parent Carers Together, a fantastic forum that connects families, shares experiences, and advocates for inclusive education and welcome all parents to our termly coffee mornings.
Meet Bodhi, Our Dog Mentor
Bodhi is our gentle and golden-hearted dog mentor—a two-year-old Labrador Retriever with a natural gift for bringing calm and comfort to our school community. As a qualified dog mentor, Bodhi works closely with children to support emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and create a soothing presence in the school day. He’s especially fond of listening to children read, offering a non-judgmental and reassuring audience that helps build confidence and fluency. Whether he’s curled up beside a student or greeting visitors with a wagging tail, Bodhi is a cherished member of the Winterstoke Academy family.
Our Commitment to Reading at Winterstoke Hundred Academy
At Winterstoke Hundred Academy, we are deeply committed to fostering a lifelong love of reading and ensuring that every student develops the literacy skills they need to succeed across all subjects. Reading is at the heart of learning, and we believe that confident readers become confident learners. To support this, we use Lexia PowerUp Literacy; a personalised online reading programme that helps students strengthen their word study, grammar, and comprehension skills at their own pace.
Students requiring reading support are provided with individual Lexia PowerUp logins, enabling them to access the programme both in school and at home. Regular use of Lexia helps identify areas for improvement and celebrates progress, allowing staff to provide targeted support where it’s needed most.
Students can access Lexia PowerUp here:
