Cognition and Learning

Communication and

Interaction

Social, Emotional and Mental Health

Medical, Physical and Sensory

What support might be in place if my child has an identified/diagnosed specific learning difficulty?

If a child has already been diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty or has an identified special need then we work very closely with parents, students and primary colleagues to share information during the transition process from Year 6 to Year 7.

We transfer and update Personal Learning Plans (PLPs), and share this information with the staff who have responsibility for and/or teach the child.

We involve parents, students and staff in a review of progress three times a year. Progress is monitored throughout the year and provisions/interventions are made at appropriate times outside of the review process if necessary.

In Year 9, assessments may be made if it is felt that we need to apply for special access arrangements for external examinations.

What might happen

if I think my child has a learning

difficulty or if the School suspects there may be a learning issue?

We use a variety of screening assessments when students join the School. These tend to highlight issues relating to specific learning needs.

If an issue were highlighted, we would liaise with staff and collect information regarding progress and learning issues before meeting with parents and students to discuss the issues.

If it were felt appropriate, a PLP would be instigated and shared with staff. We would then follow the process detailed in the box above and agree the best Wave of support (see below).

What support might take place in the classroom? (Wave 1 Support)

Wave 1 intervention takes place in the classroom. The classroom teacher who has access to the PLP provides appropriate differentiation, access and support.

The very great majority of specific learning difficulties are effectively addressed by appropriate Wave 1 support.

What additional support might be appropriate outside of the classroom? (Wave 2 Support)

It might be that a child would benefit from support from the SENDCo or Teaching Assistants. Support programmes tend to be 6-8 weeks long and target specific issues needing support.

What support might be appropriate from external agencies or specialist teachers? (Wave 3 Support)

It might be that a child would benefit from input from specialist teachers or external agencies. The School would liaise very closely with parents and students prior to a referral to the Specialist Teaching Team (STT) or an external agency. The strategies identified by the (STT) or agency would then be built into the PLP.

Outside of our Ordinarily Available Provision?

(Wave 4 Support)

If the student’s needs are not being met through the Ordinarily Available Provision (Waves 1-3), the School may apply for an EHCP Needs Assessment (Wave 4).

Who should I speak to if I need further advice or support?

Please contact Mrs Hickman, SENDCo, in the first instance and a member of the SEND Team will get back to you as soon as possible. [email protected]