Overview
Our Learning Support Co-ordinator works closely with a team of teachers and assistants to support those with individual learning needs. We want all pupils to reach their full potential and develop strong self-esteem. We offer friendly and structured support in a relaxed atmosphere, where students can grow in confidence; follow structured programmes to address their difficulties; learn to “have a go” and tackle challenges; and take advantage of multisensory techniques, using games, IT, tactile and visual aids. Over time, they learn to value their strengths and gradually take control of their learning.
When they join us, some children will have been identified as having a Specific Educational Need by their previous school, and programmes already in place continue. All other new pupils are observed and monitored, so that we can identify and address any concerns swiftly. We use assessment and teacher observation to identify children with learning support needs and have established schemes of work in place to boost understanding of the curriculum.
All pupils are screened for dyslexia in Year 4 and 6. The Head of Learning Support may conduct further assessment following screening results and/or teacher observations. 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.
Many problems associated with specific learning difficulties are addressed as a matter of routine within school. Support is normally provided through classroom and homework differentiation. We provide teachers with an outline of the pupil’s difficulties and guidelines for supporting the pupil’s learning. We do not routinely provide a dedicated classroom assistant for learning support unless through the provision of a Statement of Special Educational Need/EHCP or bought in by the parent/guardian at the School’s request.
If further support is required, we offer 1:1 Learning Support sessions to target the specific difficulties identified in the specialist assessment. These sessions are delivered in-house by the team of Learning Support Assistants.
The Head of Learning Support also liaises with the LEA for pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Need/Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) and, where necessary, supports applications for Statements of Special Educational Need/EHCPs. We keep a Learning Support register list.
Parents are advised to take up any suggestions of referral to an external professional, such as an Educational Psychologist, so that the full nature of any difficulty is diagnosed and recommendations contained in the comprehensive report can be implemented.
As a child moves through the School, there is sometimes an emotional component attached to a learning difficulty. In such cases the Learning Support Co-ordinator works very closely with the Assistant Head (Pastoral) to ensure that the right support is in place.
Our full Learning Support policy is available in the policies section of this website.
