Learning Support

Specialist Support for Pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties

We have a team of four specialist teachers who are experienced in teaching pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autism, Attention Deficit Disorders, Memory and Processing weaknesses. We offer structured, cumulative, multisensory Dyslexia programmes alongside targeted Reading, Writing and Maths support, help with study skills and revision and tutoring in Touch Typing and Assistive Technologies. In addition, we support children to boost their memory, organisation, fine motor skills and handwriting.

Once a need has been identified and usually following an internal assessment, lessons are designed and delivered individually to a bespoke plan. There is regular liaison with the form and subject teachers and regular feedback is given to parents.

Although elements of assessment and review are built into each session, a more formal review of the intervention and progress is made each term at a minimum. Parents have the opportunity to meet with the Learning Support teacher and/or Head of LSU at Parents Evenings and on request. Boarding parents often choose a video call or arrange a meeting before Exeat or Half Term/end of Term.

If concerns about a child’s progress persist, we have links with local Educational Psychologists, who can visit the school to carry out a full assessment and make recommendations for targeted support and intervention. This is a private arrangement between parents and the EP but as a rough guide, the cost is around £800 and includes verbal feedback and a full written report. Our waiting list is usually around 4-6 months.

Weekly Speech Therapy with Specialist Angela Graham

We are very fortunate to have an Independent Speech Therapist visit us weekly to offer therapy to individual pupils. Angela Graham is a specialist in Autistic Spectrum Conditions and, alongside therapy for pupils with speech sound delay and dysfluency, she offers social communication and emotional regulation support using programmes such as “Talkabout” and “Zones of Regulation”. Angela offers private Speech and Language assessments which inform any subsequent therapy work.

Head of Learning Support

As Head of Learning Support, Rebecca is responsible for improving outcomes for children with identified needs. Alongside teaching individual pupils, she assesses pupils and puts together recommendations for support. This can either be in-class adjustments or lessons within the Learning Support Department.

Regular liaison with parents and teachers forms a key component of her role, ensuring that support needs are communicated and met and the profile of SEND is raised across the school. Rebecca prepares referrals for further assessment and funding requests for children with parents in the Armed Forces. Rebecca visits children in class and offers support and advice and also runs a Touch-typing club in the Upper School.