The Learning Support Department is staffed by those with expertise in working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). All pupils with SEND have a Pupil Passport; this is a working document detailing targets, progress and any other relevant information. Pupils with SEND are monitored closely by the department; small and larger group interventions and one to one sessions are delivered to support the progress of all pupils in our care, whatever their individual requirements and including any pupil with an EHC plan.
We believe that pupils who feel relaxed, secure, and understood are more able to achieve their potential and to that end we offer counselling, and a range of other interventions for emotional, social and wellbeing support. Pupils for whom English is an additional language are fully immersed in all aspects of school life; some pupils may receive English language enrichment support through the Learning Support department.
Our Learning Support Department is delighted to have Bella, the Australian Labradoodle, as part of the team. Research reporting the profound benefits of dogs within education has led to a growing movement towards the introduction of ‘Reading’ and ‘Therapy’ dogs within schools. Children, who found reading practice difficult, were found to be more willing and able to read to an animal than they were to a human and similarly, within the field of counselling, children found the presence of a dog a source of comfort and companionship. Bella is an incredibly calm and gentle dog who provides great support and joy to the pupils and the staff within School.