SEND Learning Support
At Westhoughton High School, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We believe every child has the right to thrive and enjoy a broad, ambitious curriculum. Our SEND provision is designed to remove barriers to learning and prepare students for success in school and beyond.
Our Commitment
- Every child is supported to access the highest-quality teaching in the main school environment.
- Where this is not yet possible, every child can access tailored provisions that enable learning and prepare them for successful reintegration into the main school setting.
- Every child learns with staff who have high expectations and believe in their potential.
- Every child receives the right support at the right time, balancing classroom learning with targeted interventions.
- Every child enjoys our school, thrives, and is prepared for future success.
What We Offer
- Enhanced transition support for Year 6 into Year 7
- Literacy and numeracy interventions
- A nurture pathway at Key Stage 3 for those with knowledge gaps
- Emotional development and wellbeing programmes
- A specialist behaviour support team
- Personalised learning packages tailored to individual needs
- A trauma-informed culture with trained practitioners
- A whole school focus on adaptive teaching
- Leadership that prioritises equity and disadvantaged learners
- Strong links with other Bolton schools and local programmes
- Close collaboration with specialist external services
- An innovative and ambitious internal Alternative Provision
Our SEND Team
- SENCo: Donny Partington
- Deputy Headteacher (Student Wellbeing and Engagement): Caroline Unsworth
- Assistant Head of Inclusion: Jane Torrance
- Assistant Head of Disadvantage: Leanne Welsh
- SEND Support Lead: Jen Taylor
- SEND Governor: Michael Inman
Parent FAQs
How do I request an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
We are proactive in applying for EHCPs when a child meets the criteria. If you believe your child needs an EHCP, please contact the SENCo or visit the Bolton SEND Local Offer for guidance.
What support is available for literacy difficulties?
We have a whole-school literacy focus and form-time reading program. We also offer targeted literacy interventions such as Lexonik and Phonics-based programmes. We also offer enhanced Year 6-7 transition and a Key Stage 3 nurture pathway and provision.
How will I be involved in my child’s SEND support?
We follow the graduated approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) and involve parents at every stage. Every student on the SEND register has a Learner Passport, created in partnership with parents and shared with staff. We prioritise building strong relationships with families and encourage open communication, so you and your child feel supported and confident throughout the process.
What happens during transition from primary to secondary school?
We work closely with primary schools to share information and offer enhanced transition visits for students who need extra support. Our Every Child Hub team also liaises with families before September.
What specialist services do you work with?
We collaborate with services such as Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, CAMHS, Bolton Sensory Support, Bolton Behaviour Support Services and Woodbridge Outreach.
Will my child be taught in mainstream classes?
Our priority is for every child to access high-quality teaching in the main school environment. Where this is not possible, we provide tailored provisions and work towards reintegration.
How do you support emotional wellbeing and behaviour?
We have a trauma-informed approach, nurture programmes, and a specialist behaviour support team. Interventions include mentoring, anger management, and social skills development.
Who do I contact if I have concerns?
Please email Mr Partington (SENCO) DPartington@westhoughton-high.org
