Aysgarth School

‘Good Provision for SEN does not mean a sympathetic acceptance of low achievement. It means a tough-minded determination to show that children with SEN are capable of excellence’

‘Every Child Matters’ The Children’s Plan, 2007

Today’s Child Embracing the World of Tomorrow

WHAT ARE SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS? Any child who has problems that are physical, emotional, behavioural or who experiences a general or specific learning difficulty, which may significantly restrict his or her educational progress, can be classified as having a special educational need.

WHICH PUPILS ARE INCLUDED? Nationally, one in five children will experience some degree of learning difficulty during their years at school. Every child is different, and one might need continuous extra support throughout his time at school, whilst another may need short-term extra help to overcome a particular problem or difficult time in his life.

Special educational needs can be completely independent of intelligence; indeed, pupils with IQ’s of 130 plus can also deserve classification.

WHAT PROVISION DOES AYSGARTH SCHOOL MAKE?

Aysgarth School has a team of teachers with extra qualifications and experience concerned with a variety of special educational needs. They work in support of the whole teaching staff from the Pre-Prep upwards to provide a comprehensive package of support in line with the ‘Code of Practice in the Identification and Assessment of Special Needs’ published by the DES in 1994 and the revised Code of Practice 2001.

AYSGARTH SCHOOL FOLLOWS

 A GRADUATED APPROACH

Initial concern expressed by teacher and / or parent. SENCO informed and together with class teacher gathers information Literacy and Numeracy assessments / Pupil Profile School can offer: DST (Dyslexia Screening Test) 7-16 DEST (Dyslexia Early Screening Test) 4-7 PREST (Pre-school Early Screening Test) 3-4 Colour Filter Screening to improve reading

ability

Discussion between parents, child and teacher If at risk, School will recommend assessment by an Educational Psychologist.

SCHOOL ACTION (Pre-Prep 1 – FORM 6) EARLY YEARS ACTION (NURSERY TO RECEPTION)

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) will set out 3 or 4 key, short term targets with success and exit criteria, in consultation with parent, pupil and teacherIt will be reviewed every term, have teaching strategies and resources and targets will focus on any one or some of the following areas: • Verbal skills • Literacy Skills (reading, writing and spelling) • Maths (Number work, problem solving, language) • Behaviour (concentration, attention, attitude) • Physical skills • Study skills

SCHOOL ACTION PLUS (Pre-Prep 1 – FORM 6) EARLY YEARS ACTION PLUS (NURSERY TO RECEPTION)

If the child is still not making satisfactory progress, the school will recommend advice from an external specialist – an Educational Psychologist, Doctor or other specialist.

An IEP will set out further targets, in consultation with pupil, parent and teacher.

REFERRAL FOR STATUTORY ASSESSMENT

If a child continues to have problems, the parents and /or school can request the Local Education Authority to make a statutory assessment (a statement of special educational needs)

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To meet the targets on IEPs

SCHOOL ACTION OR SCHOOL ACTION PLUS Individual, shared tuition in Maths and /or Literacy Skills is offered. The targets will be met through working on intensive corrective programmes.

The Skills Development Tutor will work with the child in the English or Maths lesson, enabling the child to carry on the techniques he or she has been taught. For pupils with a Specific Learning Difficulty, a highly structured and cumulative multi-sensory teaching programme is offered. The amount of provision will depend on agreement of parent, child and Skills Development Tutor, according to individual need.

IN CLASS Subject teachers will help the pupil to meet his or her targets on the IEP and will liaise with the Skills Development staff. All classes aim to foster a climate of warmth and support in which self-confidence can grow.

READING SUPPORT Individual reading support is available to pupils experiencing difficulty in fluency, accuracy, pace or interest in reading.

BRAIN GYM Brain Gym is offered to pupils to help improve their balance, co-ordination, concentration and motivation for learning.

SUPPORT AND DISPENSATION FOR EXAMINATIONS Examinations should allow the child to display his achievement in the subject being examined. We aim to give children support to do this in school examinations and in the national Standard Attainment Tests, according to accepted guidelines. For the Common Entrance examinations, an allocation of extra time can be applied for. Public Schools vary in practice.

HOME SCHOOL LINKS Partnership between school and home is a vital means of support. You are invited to review your child’s progress with the Skills Development teacher at the end of every term and have an open invitation to discuss concerns, by appointment at any time.