Solihull School

The Learning Support Department provides a service which aims to enable all pupils to achieve their full academic potential and to ensure that no pupil's progress is held back by any kind of learning difficulty.

Central to the policy implemented is the recognition that very able and highly intelligent individuals may suffer from weaknesses or difficulties in particular areas: we aim to help such pupils realise their true potential.

The service provided is an integral part of the curriculum: it supports learning and the acquisition of skills in all subject areas.
Solihull School is able to offer pupils who are known to have a specific learning difficulty a support structure throughout their school career. Pupils in years 3 to 8 are able to attend weekly small group support sessions, which concentrate on each individual's specific learning difficulties, which may include, spelling strategies, comprehension skills, study skills, communication skills or proofreading. The lessons are delivered in a multi-sensory way, best suited to those with learning difficulties. Pupils' progress is reviewed on a termly basis and consultations take place regularly with parents. The Learning Support Department also offers study skills workshops and where possible 1:1 support for pupils in years 9 to 11. These workshops take place at lunchtimes and after school, and concentrate on study skills such as essay writing, note-taking, proofreading, speed reading, revision technique and exam technique. For pupils in the 6th form, some 1:1 support is provided and is tailored to individual needs and subject choices. Advice is also given on obtaining the Disabled Student’s Allowance at university.

For those pupils who are new to the school, 'whole year' screening takes place to highlight any difficulties which the school may have been unaware of. Any pupil giving cause for concern is referred to the Learning Support Department, where, in consultation with parents, a brief assessment is given to establish whether further intervention is needed.

In summary, the aims of the Learning Support department are as follows:

• To ensure all pupils who have any kind of learning difficulty, or who need revision of particular skill, are identified at the earliest possible stage.
• To provide extra tuition and support for pupils who have been identified as having a learning difficulty.
• To monitor the progress of all pupils receiving extra tuition.
• To ensure that tutors, form teachers and parents are aware of the pupil's progress.
• To ensure that all members of staff are fully aware of the learning difficulties of the pupils they teach.
• To provide advice to staff through INSET and staff meetings about appropriate teaching strategies across the curriculum in respect of pupils with difficulties.
• To encourage staff to participate in the monitoring of individual pupil's progress.
• To communicate with outside agencies, such as Educational Psychologists, and to provide information for such agencies to assess pupils as appropriate.
• To monitor and arrange requests to Examination Boards for special consideration or extra time to be made available.