LEARNING SUPPORT AND SPECIAL NEEDS

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.

October 2008.

Home Tuition

Ash Green School is very fortunate to be in receipt of funding from Positive about Young People to support our Home Tuition Scheme, called the Basics of Success. This scheme was launched in January 2004 in order to support selected pupils in identified areas of their schoolwork and homework.

In collaboration with the Year Team Leaders and feeder schools, students are selected whom it was felt would benefit from additional Home Tuition. Home Tutors are appointed from existing school staff alongside additional tutors from outside the school. Tutors work with the students on an individual basis in their home for 1 hour each week.

From the reports that have been received, it is clear that the home tuition scheme is very successful and has been beneficial to a number of students. Over the years the scheme has been extend to allow more students to benefit. If you are interested in additional tuition for your child, please contact Linda Shepherd, Home Tutoring coordinator.