Special Needs

Learning Support Department

"How can we help your child achieve the success they deserve?"

The learning support team commit to the Every Child Matters agenda by

  • Offering a safe, supportive environment in the Learning support room
  • Charity Work - raising awareness of other peoples needs
  • Celebrating success and developing confidence to further learning
  • Making learning purposeful and fun
  • Setting realistic targets
  • Supporting pupils in class and individually away from the classroom

"We are committed to the learning of all pupils"

The Learning Support Faculty is led by Miss Julie Dunn, SENCO and the team is made up of 13 learning support assistants, with some staff working in the classrooms alongside the pupils or on an individual basis to support a personalised curriculum.

The learning support team support the following extra-curricular sessions:

  • Spelling club - sessions for year 7, 8 during morning registration - which includes Lifeboat series, Toe by Toe, phonics (dyslexia friendly) and spelling rules, reinforced by the computer programme "Wordshark"
  • Reading - Paired reading for year 7 and 8 pupils, who are buddied with a year 10 pupil. Older pupils can use this towards community service.
  • Literacy - A catch up programme targets pupils
  • Homework - support offered at lunchtime. Support is given with exam preparation and the learning support staff read to eligible pupils during internal exams and GCSE's.
  • Emotional literacy - literacy sessions operate on a 1:1 or in small groups throughout the year. All ages of pupils are offered guidance on anger.
  • Lunch time - The learning support team are available at lunch time to offer a safe, fun haven for any pupil who needs help. They have the use of computers and games.

Inclusion Resource Provision (LINC)

The LINC is an extension of the classroom. It is an area within the school where all pupils can take advantage of extra support. Gifted and talented pupils gain support in organisation of coursework and pupils who are less able receive 1:1 support away from classroom distractions. The LINC has been cited by the Local Authority as an example of best practice.

Children who have been away from school for different reasons such as long term sickness, family bereavement, school refusing can spend time in the LINC before reintegrating into mainstream classrooms.

All new starters to the school, during term time are initially observed and tested to ensure they are put into the most appropriate set along with their peers.

After consultation with learning leaders the LINC offers 1:1 support to pupils who are having specific subject difficulty and need that little extra guidance away from the classroom.

Emotional literacy is offered to pupils on a 1:1 basis as well as in small group sessions, using the "Learning Adventure" or other specific packages.

The LINC is open after school should any pupil require homework support or clarification or to use a computer.