SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
At Longley Park Sixth Form we take a holistic, student-led approach to SEND. We see each student as an individual who must be an active participant in their education and support. Our underlying ethos is to promote independence for all of our learners and equip them with the necessary skills to see them into adulthood. To do this, we review support consistently and work towards tapering it where necessary.
Our approach is in line with that of Brigantia Learning Trust, as we believe that all SEND learners:
- Are entitled to access a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum to meet their special educational needs
- Can raise their attainment in all aspects of life and that they should be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential
- Require differing levels of support and guidance to ensure that they can access learning, personal needs and a wider community successfully.
- Should be given the opportunity to develop into a content, secure, well-adjusted and skilled young person to make a positive contribution to society and live as independent a life as possible.
We endeavour to provide effective support through our work with external agencies. Forming these relationships is key to our practice as they allow us to either enhance the support a student receives or enable students and families to receive support directly from the external agencies. We have strong links with external agencies such as Speech and Language Therapy, Hearing Service, Visual Service, MAST, CAMHS and Educational Psychologists. We work closely with both mainstream and specialist schools in order to provide a smooth transition for new learners.
The ALS (Additional Learning Support) team is woven into the fabric of Longley Park. With a central location, the learning support space is a hub of activity for a diverse cohort of students.
The team itself is made up of the Head of ALS, the Access Arrangements Coordinator, two Senior ALS Coordinators and a team of ALS Coordinators. The ALS team are assigned to students based on knowledge, experience and communication, instead of subject speciality. This allows us to provide tailored support and make our students the focal points of their support.
Students with Education, Health and Care Plans receive support that is informed by the outcomes and requirements stated in their plan. EHCPs are legal documents that must be followed by all members of staff. Teachers and support staff must work together to factor the needs of the student into their teaching and support strategies. Comprehensive teacher briefings are held at the start of the academic year and reviewed regularly. Additionally, EHCP reviews are scheduled throughout the year and regularly involve local authorities. Due to the nature of EHCPs, high needs students are our priority when it comes to allocating support – in or out of the classroom.
The learning support team works closely with not only subject areas but also Longley Park’s wellbeing team. Providing cohesive, consistent support for learners with mental health issues or students with emotional, social or behavioural difficulties.
ALS Manager - Candice Bonser CBonser@brigantiatrust.net
Support offered by the ALS department includes:
- In-class support for learners with EHCPs
- One-to-one study sessions with ALS Coordinators
- Key workers for all students with EHCPs
- Additional support for students experiencing emotional, social, behavioural or health difficulties
- Referral to the wellbeing team for further support regarding emotional, social or behavioural difficulties
- Support with establishing progression routes
- UCAS application support
- Assistance with life skills such as applying for jobs, writing personal statements, etc
- Support for re-integration of students into lessons
- Lunchtime provision, offering a quiet space, clubs, activities or additional support
- Support for teaching staff regarding best practice
- Support on placement for students on vocational courses
- Identification of learners requiring additional support
- Working with external agencies to organise additional support or improve knowledge
- Supporting Looked After Children and liaising with social workers when necessary
- Formulating and implementing interventions to improve attendance and punctuality
- Supporting students in travel training
- Regular reviews of support for learners
- Regular contact with parents/carers
For more information please click to read our SEND information report
