Here at John Hellins Primary School, we place a significant priority on the education of all our pupils. Provision is in place to ensure children and their parents have the opportunity to talk with a member of the SEND team for all concerns. The team are well trained in supporting the SEND needs of children and are also skilled in supporting families to access external support. We are here to talk if you would like to call or come in for a cuppa! Contact details are below. Wherever possible, we would like to do what works best for you – things can be as informal or formal as you like and everything will remain confidential.

Meet the Team 

My name is Candace McColgan and I am the SENCO here at John Hellins Primary School. I have been a teacher for 15 years and I have taught children from Reception to upper KS2. I have been the SENCO at John Hellins for 8 years. My role is to provide support to the pupils and families of our school, helping with any issues you may have in relation to special educational needs and disabilities. I am extremely passionate about my role and have personal experience as a parent of a child with SEND. I know how difficult it can be to get the help and support that we want for our children and endeavour to support and help you through the SEND process.

I work with the local authority, doctors, consultants, education psychologists, external agencies, local secondary schools and preschools. This enables me to help your child with the identification of needs and provide support for the future. I am also available to help with practical problems such as any school administration or paperwork that you would like support with.

If you would like any advice regarding SEND or feel that your child needs SEND support in school, please do not hesitate to get in contact either by phoning the school directly on 01908 542405, or emailing cmccolgan@johnhellins.co.uk. I am also available on a Monday afternoon or a Wednesday morning for a drop in meeting.

 

My name is Sharon Jones and I am the SEND teaching assistant.

I was Foundation and KS1 class teacher for 13 years before joining John Hellins in 2007, when I worked as a Teaching assistant in Foundation and KS1 and also covered PPA. Since 2020 I have worked in KS2 and joined the SEND team. My interests include Speech and Language and Dyslexia.

I undertake a wide range of tasks, including: speech and language therapy, fine motor development, gross motor development, reading and spelling interventions.

I enjoy working with the children and love to see the progress that they make during their interventions.