Special Needs

Staff

Special Needs Co-ordinator - Louisa Blunden

We have a total of 24 teaching assistants working with students with special needs across the Dual campus. Some are full time, some are part time and all are trained.

Special Needs Policies

SEN Policy

Disability Access Plan

Useful link

For straightforward and up-to-date information regarding various SEN conditions, you may find the following link useful:
http://www.oaasis.co.uk

Services we provide 

Induction of students                    

 * identifying students with SEN
 * middle school, parent and agency liaison
 * monitoring and support in early weeks

Assessment and diagnosis

* whole school screening of students on entry
* detailed diagnostic assessment - advice for individuals
* planning intervention programmes 

Recording and reporting 

* maintenance of SEN information to staff
* Individual education programmes
* reviews using C o P stage system
* provision mapping
* provision of statistics to LA 

Management of Statements 

* liaison with parents
* preparation of documentation; negotiation of appendices
* negotiation of support funding
* delivery of services in fulfilment of statements

In-class Support 

* targeting groups of students within mainstream classes
* collaborative teaching and monitoring work with subject staff
* releasing teachers to work with individuals
* providing ideas and materials; preparing differentiated work
* helping individuals cope with main lesson; monitoring performance

Support Projects 

* Work experience - preparation of students with SEN
* Careers - support of students with SEN
* Drop in time – years 10 and 11 self-referrals
* Lunch Club – for vulnerable students
* Homework Club – for students who cannot work alone
* ESOL student support on an individual need basis 

Withdrawal tuition groups 

* Spelling Scheme year 7/8/9
* specific skills tuition for individuals
* coursework support groups within departments
* Reading/Spelling intensive workshops year 7/8 

Personal Support 

* contributing to the work of the school pastoral team
* suggesting strategies for students in difficulties
* providing emergency relief for confrontational situations
* helping students to work around individual problems 

Gifted and Talented Students (Ousedale has a dedicated teacher appointed for this group) 

* identifying students of high ability
* supporting students with SEN who are also gifted or talented 

Special Arrangements with Examination Boards 

* assessing requirements and qualifications for exam consideration
* applications and negotiations on behalf of students
* implementation and support of arrangements during examinations
* training students with difficulties in specific exam techniques 

Technological Support 

* assessing technological devices (eg IT), their usefulness to students
* students and staff training programmes
* loan of equipment to students, monitoring use, storage and upkeep
* devising ways of enhancing learning through technology 

INSET 

* in-house training for SEN staff
* on-line training in specific conditions
* seminars on specific topics for whole staff and cluster group
* induction training on SEN for new staff

Negotiation of resources from outside agencies and Local Authority