VALUED & SUPPORTED

Learning Support

We help pupils with additional needs to achieve their potential through our learning support provision. Our support includes:

  • Literacy skills such as spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Basic numeracy skills
  • Social and communication skills
  • Organisation and general executive function support
  • Study skills such as note taking and MindMapping
  • Reading fluency and comprehension skills
  • Revision skills and exam technique
  • Essay planning and structure support

The learning support department does not provide academic support. Subject specific support is provided by academic departments.

We offer friendly and structured support in a relaxed atmosphere, where students can grow in confidence and self-esteem. We use a range of tools including multisensory techniques, games, IT, tactile and visual aids. Over time, pupils learn to value their strengths and gradually take control of their learning.

We seek information on areas of difficulty from parents and feeder schools prior to a child’s entry to the school. The Head of Learning Support may decide to screen for additional information following entry. We will also liaise with the LEA for pupils with a Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) and, where necessary, support applications for EHCPs.

All pupils with identified special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are eligible for learning support sessions. These may take place half termly, fortnightly, or weekly depending on the child’s individual needs.

Learning support sessions take place throughout the timetabled school day on a rolling timetable, so that a pupil does not miss the same academic subject lesson each week. Learning support sessions can also take place during non-lesson times i.e. before school, during lunch activities, and after school – but these slots are limited and therefore older pupils (those in Middle School) receive priority. Sixth Form students have their learning support sessions during ‘free periods’.

Pupils in Years 7 and 9 and Lower Sixth are screened for learning difficulties to identify if further assessment is recommended. Screening results can highlight potential areas of weakness or difficulty, but further assessment by a qualified professional is needed to confirm the presence of a special educational need.

If a concern is raised that a child may have additional learning needs, the Learning Support department will then build a ‘picture of need’ by consulting your child’s teachers and reviewing previous assessment data. If there is sufficient evidence to suggest there could be an underlying learning difficulty, the school will offer an assessment completed by our in-house specialist assessor. Alternatively, you may choose for your child to complete a diagnostic assessment externally with an Educational Psychologist or Specialist Assessor. If a medical need is suspected, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the school will give advice as to how to pursue an assessment externally with a suitably qualified medical professional.

All pupils with identified learning needs are given a learning support profile that is confidentially shared with the members of staff that teach your child. These profiles include recommended strategies for differentiation for teachers to provide appropriate support within the classroom. Teachers adapt their teaching methods, materials, and activities to meet the diverse needs of students with learning difficulties, ensuring they can access the curriculum effectively.

At all times we seek to involve parents and pupils in any identification, assessment and delivery of support and strive for close co-operation between all parties to ensure effective implementation. Access arrangements will be allocated in line with the JCQ guidelines.