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At Moorside High School, we believe it is important to bring out the best in all our students. The Learning Support Department works with all members of school staff to actively promote the development of students with Special Educational and additional needs. The department, under the leadership of the Assistant Head-Teacher and SEN co-ordinator (SENCO), aims to promote learning strategies and teaching approaches which allow these SEN and additional needs to be met. Support is given to teachers to enable them to provide appropriate challenges and opportunities for success for identified students. In addition, they help students to recognise and plan for their own progress.
Staff working within the Learning Support Department have specialist training in working with children who have specific learning difficulties. There are two specialist rooms equipped with computers and iPads, and a range of additional teaching resources. The Learning Support department collaborates with all school staff to identify and assess students’ needs, plan for these needs, and put into practice appropriate identified strategies. The school also works closely with outside agencies to ensure that students receive the appropriate intervention. We also endeavour to provide equality of opportunity and therefore assess carefully to ensure the most appropriate access arrangements are in place for all external examinations.
Available resources are used as efficiently and effectively as possible. A wide variety of support is put in place depending on the needs of the child. This can range from individual and small group withdrawal sessions to support in class. Students with the greatest need are placed in classes with a smaller number of students and a higher teacher-student ratio. Quality first teaching ensures that progress is maintained and often exceeded. Other support includes reduced and customised curriculum, alternative provision and a lunchtime homework club for students wanting extra help.