We recognise that some of our pupils may have learning differences such as, difficulty with getting started with reading, decoding, and spelling due to phonological processing issues or difficulty with maths concepts, number sense and calculations.
They may be hindered from fulfilling their potential if their needs are not recognised and individual supervision isn’t provided. The focus of our SEN Programme is to help pupils at the beginning of school at the primary level, to realise their potential.
We aim to ensure that pupils with special educational needs are identified as quickly as possible and that early action is taken to meet those needs. We aim to teach pupils with special educational needs how to learn by teaching them skills, strategies, and providing scaffolding which leads them towards a stronger understanding and ultimately, greater independence in the learning process.
We have a trained SEN Teacher/ Coordinator (SENCo) who is there to assist pupils thrice a week in Years 1 and 2. In addition to pupils, she assists teachers with matters relating to SEN. We concentrate on the self-esteem and sense of self-worth of the child; we value diversity and equality among pupils in the school. Our aim is to see SEN pupils come out learning the appropriate skills and competencies needed for them to succeed.
SEN referrals are suggested by teachers and approved by the AHM Academics Years 1-2, before they are sent to our SENCo, who then assesses whether the pupil needs special time with her or not. If she ascertains that the pupil needs SEN sessions, then she prepares a weekly schedule for the pupil, if not, she gives the teachers some tips/strategies to support the pupil in the classroom. She develops SEN materials based on the pupil’s individual needs and may suggest Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for each SEN pupil for use in the classroom. She also suggests how to make the classroom environment as supportive as possible for children with special education needs.
The SENCo works in consultation with the Senior Advisor to maintain a high quality SEN Programme. She regularly tracks and documents the progress of all SEN pupils and keeps their records/documentation up to date for review on a quarterly basis.