Special Education

At times during their school career some pupils may find it more difficult to make progress than their peers. This may be for a number of reasons including learning difficulties, emotional or behavioural problems. Pupils may also have medical conditions which affect their learning. Those with hearing, speech or visual impairments may require support from specialist teachers. A few pupils will not have English as their first language and need support to help them access the curriculum. Certain problems may be only temporary in nature e.g. a broken arm which makes writing notes in class impossible for a few weeks.

Learning Support Staff work to help all these pupils achieve their potential by providing in-class support, small group and individual work where appropriate. If necessary we can loan additional resources to meet pupils needs (portable word processors, Spellmasters etc). We also liaise with a wide variety of outside agencies who can provide specialist support and advice.

The Learning Support Base is well stocked with a wide variety of resources to help develop literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. A full time member of staff is designated to co-ordinate all aspects of support in the school and the Code of Practice for the identification and assessment of Special Educational Needs is closely followed. All pupils with Statements of Special Educational Need are monitored and their progress reviewed annually.

Admissions Policy

The school is subject to the Admissions Policy of the LEA. The Education Committee is legally responsible for all admissions to Schools. It may not be possible to offer your child a place at your preferred school if that school receives more applications than it can take within its admission limit.

Where this happens, the Authority will offer places according to the following criteria in order of priority:

1. Pupils with Statement of Special Needs

Children with statements of special educational needs that name the school in the statement

2. Looked After Children

A “looked after” child is a pupil who is in the care of the local authority or provided with accommodation by that Authority.

3. Associated Transport

Pupils who live in an area from which the authority provides designated transport to the preferred school in order to limit travel costs.

4. Medical Reasons

Pupils with very exceptional medical factors directly related to school placement. Applications under this criterion should be supported by written evidence from a doctor.

5. Family Links

Pupils who have a brother or sister already attending the school and who is expected to be on roll at that school at the time of admission.

6. Distance

Pupils who live nearest the preferred school measured by the shortest walking route judged to be safe. This will be based on the parents' address. We will, however consider the overall availability of school places in an area to ensure that no children have an unreasonable distance to walk. This may override distance to the preferred school.