Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) and Inclusion information

Local Authority SEND information

All schools (maintained) in Barnet have a parallel approach to meeting the needs of pupils with SEND and are given support by the Local Authority to ensure that every pupil makes the best possible progress in school, regardless of their specific needs. We are supported by the Local Authority to ensure that we are an inclusive school that meets the needs of our learners.

The Local Authority has produced a Local Offer which sets out what’s ordinarily available in mainstream schools within Barnet and what provision we are expected to offer. 

Further information is also available on Barnet Local Authority’s SEN Local Offer webpage

Parents with children with special educational needs or disabilities are welcome to visit our school. Points of contact are Annie Hindle (Co-Head & SENCO) and Jayden Ellis (Head of Learning in EYFS & SENCO) who are always available to discuss concerns or worries that parents have. Please make an appointment through the school office.

We have a 21 place additional resource provision (ARP) which we call The Jets. We welcome tours if you have a child with an EHCP who needs a provision place. If you would like a virtual look at the provision click below or if you would like to visit in person or have any questions or queries please contact out SENCO and Co-Head, Annie Hindle on 020 8205 9324. Click below for further information.

Please click on the documents below to find out about the SEND provision at The Orion and to view our SEND Policy.

Testimonial from a parent - March 2023

The Orion school and the ARP particularly is the place where our daughter felt what school means for the first time since she was diagnosed with ASD. The team at the ARP are experienced and amazing with the kids. Children are happy and eager to participate at school activities which is amazing. Mental health and mindfulness is a main part of the day too. There is always something amazing happening at school and kids are interested and excited to take part of it. Being at the Orion and knowing that your child is happy and safe makes it hard when you have to look for a secondary school that can match a high standard like that. We are very happy and very lucky to be part of the Orion amazing team!

Comment from a parent (Dec 2021)

"Lovely staff, amazing, good school, great atmosphere specially the provision unit.

my son he is 9 yrs Autistic boy he absolutely love his school, he has made brilliant progress. 

My son he love to get ready to go to his school every morning and this means a lot to me.

As a special need child’s mum I am so grateful to chose this school for my son when he was in a nursery, his personality has massively changed, his happiness it’s priceless to me

I would like to thanks to all member of staff specially Mr Chris Fathers, Miss Hindle the Senco and Mrs Shear also the teachers in jet’s classes.

Advice and Support for Parents of children with SEND

The SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (Formerly Parent Partnership) supports parents of children with SEN and Disability

Barnet SEND Information, Advice & Support Service

North London Business Park (NLBP)

Oakleigh Road South

London N11 1NP

Tel: 020 8359 7637

Email: SendIASS@barnet.gov.uk

DFE’s Guide for Parents with children who have SEN

SEN Code of Practice 2015 Document

SEN & Disability Legislation information

Barnardo's are independent supporters of parents and carers who have a child with SEND and can provide advice and support

Barnet Mencap provides a range of services and campaigns with people with learning disabilities and people with autism or Aspergers and their families to secure good services and support in the borough

Mencap works with people with a learning disability to change laws, challenge prejudice and support them to live their lives as they choose.

IPOP (Formerly Fair Play Barnet) is an inclusive play organisation proudly working to support children and young people, up to the age of 25 years, to experience activity that positively impacts on their emotional and physical health; enabling them to confidently take their place in the world.

Independent parental special educational advice can be found on ipsea

Special Needs Jungle - Parent led information, advice and tips