Student Voice

All students at Dene Academy, including those with SEND, are actively encouraged to voice their opinions or concerns when the need arises. There are a variety of ways students can do this:

• The first point of contact is the tutor who meets with their tutees daily.
• Year Leaders are attached to each year group and are available throughout the day to speak with students.
• Progress Leaders are linked to each year group to provide enhanced support.
• Often students will speak directly to their teachers who will escalate concerns to the appropriate member of staff.
• SEND students will higher needs will have a TA link teacher with whom they can communicate freely at any time.
• SEND students are actively involved in annual reviews and support plan review meetings.
• With regard to safeguarding issues, the whole school procedure will be followed to overcome any issues.
• Additional support is also available to some students from professionals such as counsellors, the SEND and inclusion service and the Educational Health Needs Team.

At various points through the school year, feedback is gathered through reviews, TA link meetings and questionnaires. This helps us to gather feedback on SEND provision as well as whole school initiatives.