LEARNING SUPPORT AT ST MICHAEL'S SCHOOL

The special needs department supports pupils who are considered to have some form of learning difficulty in literacy and to a lesser degree in numeracy. The school's policy is to ensure that all pupils with special needs have access to the curriculum.

The department is staffed by 4 teachers, one of whom is SENCO, who work with special needs pupils on a part-time basis and are qualified teachers with additional training in special needs. Each of the teachers has their own teaching room, either in the new Junior Learning Support unit or in the tutorial rooms in the English departrment, and pupils attend individual weekly or twice weekly 30 minute lessons or in small groups. There is some in-class support too.

A private educational psychologist visits twice a year to assess children at our request. We can also call upon the services of a speech and llanguage therapist and an occupational therapist.

The department is well resourced with books and multi-sensory equipment which we regularly update. Current assessment techniques are used including the latest ICT resources. Staff attend courses and meetings locally and in the UK whenever possible.

Subject staff are made aware of special needs pupils and integrate them in their lessons encouraging them to attain the highest possible levels.

Useful addresses and telephone numbers: