Welcome to Learning Support and Special Needs

Ash Green has a team of staff who support students in, and out of, the classroom. Under Mr Derek Raishbrook, the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), the team work alongside students who may have trouble in keeping pace with the work they are asked to do. These students may have a Statement of SEN or they may need support in a more informal way. Strong relationships are formed between staff and student and we put much effort into maintaining that relationship via parental contact both at formal parents’ evenings and otherwise.

Within the team there are specialists in literacy and behaviour as well as those who have a strength in a specific subject. Students who are not reading at a level equal to their age are given intensive tuition via small-group withdrawal or are provided with 1:1 tuition via a programme which is funded separately.

The department has a close working relationship with agencies who are connected to the school. This might be a medical or careers professional or it may be a colleague who is called on to give us specialised advice on, say, dyslexia or autism.

When a student is preparing for a public examination – particularly GCSEs – we will ensure that proper provision is made for those students who may qualify for a reader, a ‘scribe’ or extra time, for example.

Some students will experience problems which require short-term intervention. Perhaps there has been a bereavement in the family or there has been a dramatic change in a family’s circumstances. At such times we would work closely with the Pastoral Managers to ensure as smooth a passage as possible through troubled times.

The department also works closely with colleagues in English, maths and science to ensure students who might be failing to achieve their potential are provided with support to get them back to the position they should be at. This could take the shape of advice to colleagues and/or short-term support of the student/s tied in to a specific area of the curriculum.

Mr Raishbrook and members of his team are more than willing to meet personally with any parent/carer in relation to their child either pre-Ash Green or at any time whilst the child attends the school.