Learning Support

Learning Support Department

The vision of Wildern School Learning Support Department is to ensure that students with additional needs are identified and supported to enable them to meet their potential. We aim to provide teachers and teaching assistants with the tools, training and information required to provide positive learning experiences for the students they teach or support so that school is a happy and nurturing environment for them to achieve their very best.

The department comprises of the following staff members:

• Mrs J Fleeman, Head of Additional Learning - SENCo
• Miss N Lahiff, Head of Additional Learning - Assistant SENCo
• Mrs Graham - Admin Assistant
• Mrs R Trodd, Access Arrangements administrator

In addition to the above, we have 14 Teaching Assistants and 1 Specialist Teaching Assistant responsible for Speech, Language and Communication.  There are specialist Core Progress Assistants linked to the Maths, English and Science departments.  

The staff in learning support are highly committed and the teaching assistant team developed the following vision statement:

Regardless of differences in behaviour and abilities, we believe that all our students can do anything they put their mind to if we offer them motivation and enthusiasm in our support. Promoting positive attitude, determination and curiosity, we build confidence and promote independent learning ensuring that no child is left behind. We understand that emotional and social barriers are often obstacles that many of our SEN students face; by removing these barriers we create safe spaces to nurture students. By providing resources and opportunities they will fulfil their potential in achieving academic success but, above all if we share the belief that they can do it, they will achieve.

Interventions

Reading and Spelling

In years 7-9 we run various intervention groups to support reading and spelling. We follow the Rapid Plus and Read On programmes for reading and spellzone programme for spelling. In years 7 and 8 students are generally withdrawn from lessons for 5x30 minute sessions per fortnight. In years 9 we endeavour to run interventions during registration time to avoid students missing vital GCSE work.

Some students may have 1:1 reading or spelling interventions if their needs are more significant.

Speech and Language

Some students are identified as requiring support with speech and language. These students will typically receive 30 minutes support each week.

Supporting Well-Being

We run nurture registration groups for identified students (usually recommended by feeder schools or DOPAs) . These groups are run by Teaching Assistants and cover subjects such as self-esteem, dealing with anxiety and problem solving. Some students may have a keyworker who will meet them to go over any issues or concerns that they may have. The school also has Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA) and Counsellor to whom students may be referred.

Lunchtimes

Teaching Assistants run a daily games’ club for students in years 7-8 and vulnerable students higher up the school by invitation. Students in all year groups play together and support each other in this welcoming environment. We also run a daily homework club where students can be supported to complete homework by a Teaching Assistant.

 

Please click here for Wildern school policies