SEN - Learning Support

The Learning Support Department provides support for pupils who for one reason or another are having difficulty accessing the curriculum.

The Learning Support Department consists of:
3 full time teachers                  2 part time teachers
1 senior teaching assistant     12 teaching assistants

The TAs provide support in lessons for pupils having difficulties accessing the curriculum.

Learning support teachers teach and monitor the progress of pupils on the Code of Practice.

Three LSTs are qualified to assess and provide individualised programs for pupils with more severe literacy difficulties such as dyslexia. They are also able to assess pupils at the end of each key stage for extra support in exams.

1 LST organises and teaches small groups of year 7 & 8 pupils who require extra input bring them up to the level of their peers.

Links between the primary feeder schools are being built to make the transition into secondary school for pupils who will find this particularly difficult easier.

Some people who are dyslexic or had learning difficulties at school:

Teachers and Learning Support Assistants provide a variety of individual, small group and in class support for the pupils on the SEN Register.

Additionally, the school is able to provide highly specialised support for pupils who have been identified as having specific literacy difficulties in a Dyslexia Unit which runs four days a week. This provision is staffed by four dyslexia specialist teachers with a diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) and a CLANSA trained Learning Support Assistant. Pupils in the unit are withdrawn from class on a rolling timetable to maximise the pupils’ access to the curriculum. They follow a variety of multi-sensory programmes, which target literacy, numeracy and study skills.

At Saint Bonaventure’s we aim to meet the needs of all pupils including those with learning difficulties including Dyslexia, pupils with behavioural difficulties, pupils with language and communication difficulties, pupils who are developmentally delayed, pupils with physical and medical conditions and those with visual or hearing impairments. All staff at St. Bonaventure’s share responsibility for identifying and teaching pupils with special educational needs. Lessons are carefully differentiated to meet the needs of the individual. However, pupils who fail to make progress in spite of differentiation are targeted by implementation of an Individual Education Plan. Each pupil’s progress is then carefully monitored and is regularly reviewed. Should they continue to fail to make progress in spite of targeted strategies, with parental permission, outside agencies will be called on to advise in the planning and implementation of support for those pupils. The Learning Support Teachers and Learning Support Assistants are also responsible for implementing the Individual Education Plans for those pupils who have been identified as having Exceptional Needs through the provision of a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

In line with government and L.E.A. policy on inclusion, St. Bonaventure’s is supported in meeting the needs of some pupils through a wide range of support services provided by the L.E.A. These include regular input from the Educational Psychologist, the Language and Communication Support Service, Newham Health Trust Speech and Language Therapy Service, LSDAT – the Learning Support Development and Advisory Service, BSDAT – the Behaviour Support Development and Advisory Service and ASDAT the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Advisory Team. Specialist advice and specific support for pupils with physical or sensory impairment is also available in the same way.

The Learning Support Department also runs a variety of clubs to develop the basic skills and self-esteem of pupils with special needs. These include break and lunchtime Computer Club and Homework Club.