Welcome

The function of the Learning Support Department is to provide for the needs of all the students who may require additional support in order to make the best use of resources offered by the school.

The Department enjoys an enviable reputation in the Borough for its work. All members of the department are well qualified, and committed to the work of providing for all students in the school and increasing access to educational opportunities for all students.

We believe that the most appropriate and effective place for that help is with the student in the classroom, and that is where most of our efforts are directed. We do this by providing a comprehensive service of in class support so that extra help that may be needed is directed towards the students who find difficulty with some aspects of the work, or those who are able and may need extended work. This in class support enables us to deal with particular aspects of learning difficulty which may be encountered within the course of the lesson.

The department adheres to the Code of Practice regulations with regard to all years, where students deemed to have special needs are placed on the register and their progress reviewed twice yearly. Sometimes we may extract individuals or small groups from their lessons for specific and intensive tuition – for instance, reading.

Computer assisted learning plays an important part in all aspects of the work of the department and all staff are fully conversant with word processing and other software packages.

The department also has a learning support base which was purpose built for the students with a physical disability in mind. These students are integrated fully into the life of the school, but the base provides a valuable back up for those students who require specialist teaching help, physiotherapy, or medical assistance.

The department has a designated room for physiotherapy and the physiotherapy needs of students can be met by Mrs.M.Cousins the school nurse and the physiotherapy team. Physiotherapy programmes can be continued during the week to meet individual needs of the student.

We work closely with the Student Support Centre to ensure that all young people receive small group or 1:1 support, which is individually tailored to their specific needs. The flexibility of the staff within the SSC gives all students, no matter how diverse, equal opportunity to access the National Curriculum, thus nurturing their confidence and self-esteem.

Our Cygnet Centre is located at the Swan Centre, which is adjacent to the Lord Silkin School. At the centre, emphasis is placed on developing the social and emotional aspects of the children’s learning by providing a welcoming and secure environment in which to learn. Pupils follow a formal programme of study, as well as participate in team activities designed to increase confidence and self-esteem.

All members of the department are always happy to meet with parents and to answer any questions they may have concerning their child’s learning, life in school generally and support requirements.