Department Statement

We strive to be an inclusive school that values the unique qualities of all our students by fostering a sense of community and having high expectations.

The aim of our enthusiastic, experienced and passionate Learning Support Department is to help all students to reach their fullest potential by working with staff, parents and students to identify strategies to help remove any barriers to learning.

Alongside our dedicated SENCo and Learning Support Suite, our guiding principle is to ensure that the needs of all our pupils are met, especially those who make the slowest progress, those with a physical disability and our socially and emotionally vulnerable students.

What to do if you think your child has special educational needs

Many children will experience difficulties of some kind during their school life, but for some students their issues may be more extensive and affect their ability to access the curriculum. Staff at Oaklands are trained to assess students’ progress against set targets and to look for any student who does not appear to be reaching their potential, either in individual subjects or across the curriculum.

So what can you do if you feel your child has a specific learning difficulty or has additional needs?

Form Tutor – The form tutor is an integral part of the pastoral support team and will be happy to review progress and pursue avenues of support with you.

Subject Teachers – If you have a specific subject related concern, our teachers are always happy to offer advice or discuss a concern to identify strategies and a possible solution.

The SENCo  – The SENCo has oversight of all additional learning needs and support across the school and will be able to complete an assessment of need and consider appropriate access to intervention programmes of support. The SENCo – Mrs Tracey Rowsell – can be contacted by email t.rowsell@oaklandscatholicschool.org  and is happy to discuss available provision or arrange a meeting to plan additional assessment and support.  Termly SEN Review sessions are also an opportunity to book an appointment to see a member of the Learning Support Team.

What our parents and students say

‘Your hard work is much appreciated by our family’ – Parent of Year 8 student

‘I think your account is really good’ – Year 7 student

Documents

Available interventions

ELSA leaflet

Glossary of common SEN terms

LS dept staff and roles

LS Social media

Oaklands Transition Booklet 2022

Useful Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oaklandslearningsupportdept/

Instagram: @oaklandslearningsupport

Oaklands SEND page

Hampshire Local Offer: https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/localoffer.page

Dyslexia font: https://www.opendyslexic.org/

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