Learning Support

LEARNING SUPPORT
(This is a summary of information contained in the Special Educational Needs Policy.)

Staff
Mrs F Smart – SENCO
Mrs C Macnaughton – Prep SEN Leader

Prospective Parents
For information about arrangements and reasonable provision for pupils with a disability or learning difficulty and enrolment to the school, please contact the Headmistress’s P.A. Mrs J Harris

The Department
The learning support department aims to support pupils who, whilst able to access the school curriculum, may need extra help due to a specific learning difficulty or a lack of confidence in a particular aspect of their work in both the prep and senior school.

Pupil Screening
Upon entry to the prep and senior school, pupils are initially screened to ascertain their current level of attainment. Pupils requiring further assessment and intervention are referred to the Learning Support Department usually after consultation with parents and teachers and every effort is made to ensure that all pupils are sufficiently supported throughout their school career.

In the senior school, at Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils are screened using the MidYIS test which measure verbal, non-verbal and quantitative ability, are administered by the school during the autumn term.

Support
Specialist support is available for pupils and usually takes the form of small groups. Most support lessons take place in the Learning Support room, Prep Library and Senior Library.

Study Skills support is offered as part of the PSHE programme, at Key Stage 4 as a subject option and as part of the Sixth Form General Studies programme.

Examination Access Arrangements
Exam Access Arrangements are governed by the exam regulatory body, JCQ who set the eligibility criteria for all pupils. In order for an application for Exam Access Arrangements to be made, pupils must have an Educational Psychologist/Specialist Assessors report with standard test scores that meet the JCQ requirements for each arrangement. For GCE and A Level examinations these tests must be carried out no earlier than May of Year 9. Tests can be organised through school with our in-school assessor or through an Independent Educational Psychologist.