SEN (Special Educational Needs)

Ms Bethan West is our SENCO at The Gryphon School

If you would like to contact Ms West, please email blw@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

or call the SEN office on: 01935 810139

Our Vision

At The Gryphon, our vision is simple: every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of background or educational need.

We achieve this through a dedicated and highly skilled team, including specialist teachers for literacy, experienced support staff, ELKLAN trained staff, and trained ELSA practitioners. Together, we create a supportive environment where every young person can thrive, achieve their goals, and leave us prepared for adult life.

How This Links to Gryphon LIFE

Our SEND provision is rooted in the Gryphon LIFE values: Leadership, Integrity, Fellowship, and Exploration:

• Leadership – We empower students to take ownership of their learning and develop confidence in their abilities.
• Integrity – We uphold honesty and fairness in all our support, ensuring every child feels respected and valued.
• Fellowship – We foster a sense of belonging and collaboration, creating strong relationships between students and staff.
• Exploration – We encourage curiosity and provide opportunities for students to discover new skills and pathways for their future.

SEN at the Gryphon

We are a large, mixed comprehensive school in North Dorset, with approximately 120 students on the SEND register, including around 52 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Last year, our Learning Support department delivered a variety of targeted intervention, including:

• Small group spelling sessions
• Paired reading
• SCLN – Language for Behaviour/ Language for Learning
• Neurodiversity work – Autism and me, ADHD support.
• 1:1 literacy and numeracy support
• Counselling
• Sensory breaks
• Self-esteem and social skills groups

Next steps for our students

Our vision extends beyond school. We work hard to ensure every student leaves with the skills and qualifications they need for their next steps—whether that’s continuing in our Sixth Form, moving to college, or starting an apprenticeship. We provide guidance and support to help students make informed decisions about their future.

SEN Support

For The Dorset Council Local Offer please click on the link below:
Local Offer

Dorset’s Family Information Service also offers services – to find out more visit their website here.

Dorset Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) are a free, impartial and confidential service that provides information, advice and support to:

• Children and young people aged from 0 to 25 with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND)
• Parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.

For more information visit https://www.dorsetsendiass.co.uk/

Please click on the links below:

Accessibility PlanDownload

LASEND letter to ParentsDownload

SEN Information ReportDownload