Additional Learning Needs
Here are some examples:
- Writing very slowly
- Handwriting that is so untidy that teachers can’t read it.
- Medical needs such as diabetes, epilepsy, poor hearing or vision.
- Dyslexia
- Short or long term problems at home.
- Poor skills in a particular subject such as spelling or maths.
- Anything that stops a pupil getting around the school independently.
- Colour blindness
And the list goes on......
What can we do about all these additional needs?
These are some of the things we do...
Help with literacy
80 year 7 pupils are now part of the ‘Read Write Inc Fresh Start’ project to improve their reading and spelling skills. This is a joint project with our feeder primary schools.
Over 80 year 8 and 9 pupils will also be starting this project in a few weeks time.
Year 7 Reading club meets for 3 registration sessions a week. Nearly 50 pupils read for enjoyment in small groups with a Teaching Assistant.
Mentoring
Many pupils are given time to meet a member of staff to discuss difficulties and identify the best way to solve them. This may be a one off or may be more long term.
Numeracy
The maths department run catch up lessons and some pupils are withdrawn for extra help with the learning support teachers.
School nurture unit
Coedcae has a unique nurture unit which supports our more vulnerable pupils. The unit is also open at break and lunchtime with adult supervision for those pupils who are less confident. The unit is open from 8 o’clock in the morning providing breakfast or a calm place to go before school.
Social and emotional difficulties
Our pastoral team offer a wide range of support for pupils with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties as needed. This team works closely with outside agencies and the support may be short or long term. The kind of support offered is based on an individual pupil’s needs.
Dyslexia Primary- Secondary project
The project works within the Coedcae family of schools, identifying and supporting pupils with dyslexia. Our definition of dyslexia is ‘Any child who has been well taught but still experiences difficulties with literacy’. A Teaching Assistant spends half a day in each primary school and 2 days in Coedcae supporting and assessing pupils who may be dyslexic.
Support for GCSEs and public exams
Some pupils may need additional support to succeed in their GCSEs so they can demonstrate what they know and understand, and not be held back by literacy difficulties. In year 10 and 11, some pupils are eligible for 25% extra time, a reader, a scribe or access to a laptop.
Any concerns or questions regarding Additional Learning Needs – please contact Devra Applebaum (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) or Jo Antonazzi (Head of Pastoral Team).