LEARNING SUPPORT

St Mary’s values the abilities and achievements of all our students. We are committed to providing the best learning environment possible for every student regardless of their ability.

 

We are crucially aware of the needs of all pupils in mainstream education and recognize the importance of tailoring work to meet their needs.  In doing so we have  provisions in place to help your son/daughter remove barriers to learning  no matter their difficulty.

 

There are twelve learning support assistants who have considerable experience who work within all departments in the school.

 

All the pupils with needs are supported and guided under the direction and management of the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator. In recent years, we have developed considerable contacts with support agencies and other services. We have implemented new systems and ways to improve the quality of learning support  eceived in St Mary’s.

 

Within the school our pupils may receive individual, focused, or intense literacy support in the cyclical system. They can benefit from paired work and small class support in Numeracy and Literacy.  They may receive specialised outreach support for behaviour or individual intuition as determined by their need.

 

All work is differentiated to meet their needs, their pace of learning, the content and approach used will be specific to each pupil.  All testing and assessments are differentiated  for the pupil to achieve the best result they can achieve.  Others who have specific learning or emotional difficulties, may also be offered additional provisions such as music therapy or differentiated pathways that may encourage success for them.

 

Even before your son/daughter starts St Mary’s in September significant work will have been done to ensure the transition from primary to secondary is smooth and  enjoyable as we work with the SENCos from the primary schools and class teachers and any other agencies to support this change in a manner suited to them.

 

Pupils will be monitored and evaluated regularly so that all teachers are familiar with the individual education plan agreed by you and us.  We endeavour to offer as much provision as necessary and encourage parental support in helping to support your son/daughter both in school and at home. 

 

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