Senior School – Learning Support Department
Stover School welcomes pupils of all abilities.
However, we recognise that some pupils may need particular support in order to make the most of the opportunities offered by the school. This may be because of difficulties with learning and/or disabilities.
Support is provided according to individual needs and is on the basis that the pupil can access the National Curriculum. Ongoing assessment is used to develop the programme of support needed in consultation with pupils, parents and staff.
In Senior School the Learning Support Department offers the following support:
1-to-1 or Small Group Support in Lessons
Some pupils are assigned 1-to-1 support or small group support in some or all of their lessons. Rather than assigning a single support assistant, pupils tend to be assigned subject specialists. This means that pupils get the best possible help with their studies whilst developing rapport with a number of staff and building social skills. This support does carry an additional cost.
Literacy and Numeracy Intervention
Some pupils in KS3 have timetabled small group literacy and numeracy with our specialist staff intervention instead of a language. Our Numeracy and Literacy classrooms provide an environment with specialised resources in order for pupils to work towards their goals.
Supported Study
Some pupils in KS4 have timetabled study periods during which they are able to come into Learning Support to spend extra time completing their homework, researching projects or revising for tests and exams. Help is offered on an ad hoc basis with students able to access as much or as little as they wish. This is fostering an atmosphere of independence while still offering support if required.
Help with Homework
We recognise that some pupils need extra support completing their prep, going over lesson content or preparing for any upcoming tests. The Learning support Department offers help for these children during the activities time throughout KS3 and KS4.
Assessments of Learning Needs
The Learning Support Department has qualified and experienced staff to assess pupils’ individual learning difficulties and to determine access arrangements for exams. Some of our assessments might highlight difficulties which will need further diagnostic assessments by outside professionals which we will arrange after liaison with parents.
Pastoral Care
Many pupils with learning needs or disabilities face a variety of difficulties quite unrelated to their academic studies. The Learning Support Department offers both a safe and supportive space where pupils know they are always welcomed, valued and supported. We help pupils with their organisation, listen to any of their worries and help them to develop their social as well as independence skills. As Learning Support is used by pupils from all Year groups they often develop good relationships throughout the different age groups and some of our older pupils are very happy to share their experiences with the younger ones.
Mentoring
In addition to our general pastoral care, we also offer specialised support to develop communication, relationship skills, build confidence and develop resilience.
The staff in the Stover Learning Support Department are friendly and welcoming. Every member of our team brings unique strengths and specialities to the department. The department is always undergoing further professional development and we pride ourselves on continually working towards maintaining our reputation of excellence.
Mrs Sorensen – Head of Learning Support/SENCO
Mrs Brown – Assistant SENCO, Dyslexia Specialist, Access Arrangements
Mrs Hodgetts – HLTA Maths & Science
Mrs Roddan – HLTA Art, Draw & Talk mentor
Mrs Harrison – Learning Support Assistant
Mrs Wall – Learning Support Assistant
Mrs Watts – Learning Support Assistant
Maria Hind – Social communication and interaction mentor
Prep School – Learning Support Department
Stover School welcomes pupils of all abilities. However, we recognise that some pupils may need particular support in order to make the most of the opportunities offered by the school. This may be because of difficulties with learning and/or disabilities. Learning Support is provided in both the Preparatory School and the Senior School.
Support is provided according to individual needs and is on the basis that the pupil can access the National Curriculum. Ongoing assessment is used to develop the programme of support needed in consultation with pupils, parents and staff. In the Prep School, support is provided through differentiated learning, group sessions and targeted interventions. The focus is on promoting the fundamental Literacy and Maths skills necessary for pupils to build the solid learning foundation necessary for Senior School. In the Senior School, many pupils benefit from having individual support lessons with a specialist teacher and this type of support is expanded to include help with the study skills necessary to access secondary education and beyond.
Learning support assistants in Prep consolidate learning in small groups and support teaching in class. In Senior School, teaching assistants provide in-class support for pupils with a greater level of support need. In both schools, where necessary, support is provided for examinations e.g. extra time, scribes, readers etc.
The Learning Support staff liaise closely with class, form and subject teachers in order to maximise the effectiveness of support.