SEN & Inclusion

Special Educational Needs (SEN), Inclusion & Reasonable Adjustments Statement

Prestbury Girls Academy is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and player-centred environment where every girl is supported to reach her full potential — both on and off the pitch.

We recognise that every player is unique. We actively support players with Special Educational Needs (SEN), neurodiversity, and additional learning, emotional, or developmental needs, ensuring that football is accessible, enjoyable, and development-focused for all.

Prestbury Girls Academy operates a player-centred, coach-directed approach. This means we adapt our environment, coaching methods, communication styles, and expectations to meet the needs of individual players.

Our aim is not only to develop footballers, but to support young people in their wider personal growth.

We have experience supporting players with a wide range of needs, including (but not limited to):

We work in partnership with parents and carers to understand each player's individual needs and how best to support them.

How We Support Our Players

Support strategies may include:

• Clear and consistent instructions
• Visual demonstrations and structured sessions
• Predictable routines and session formats
• Flexible coaching approaches
• Positive behaviour support and reinforcement
• Emotional reassurance and wellbeing support
• Strong coach–player relationships built on trust

Sessions are designed to be inclusive without lowering expectations, ensuring all players are appropriately challenged while feeling supported.

Reasonable Adjustments

Prestbury Girls Academy is committed to making reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010 to ensure players with SEN or additional needs can fully participate in academy activities.

Adjustments may include:

• Adapted communication methods (visual cues, simplified instructions)
• Additional time to process information
• Modified intensity or workload where appropriate
• Flexible participation in drills or match situations
• Access to quiet spaces or time away where required
• Adjusted expectations during training or matchdays
• One-to-one check-ins with coaches or welfare staff
• Support with transitions (arrival, session changes, departures)

All adjustments are agreed with parents/carers and reviewed regularly.

All Prestbury Girls Academy staff:

• Hold UEFA B or UEFA C coaching qualifications
• Are DBS checked
• Hold FA Safeguarding and First Aid certifications
• Operate within safeguarding and welfare frameworks aligned with The Football Association guidance

A named Welfare Lead is in place, and safeguarding is central to all academy activity.

We recognise that parents and carers are experts in their child's needs.

We are committed to:

• Open, respectful communication
• Collaborative decision-making
• Regular review of support strategies
• Creating a positive and empowering environment

Limitations of Provision

While we strive to support all players, Prestbury Girls Academy is a football development environment and not a specialist educational or clinical provision.

Where a player's needs require specialist support beyond what can reasonably be provided within a football setting, we will work with families to identify appropriate next steps in the best interests of the player.