The aim of the Learning Support Faculty is to identify pupils having special educational needs and to organise a continuum of provision that enables these identified pupils to take their rightful place fully within the school and community and to make the most of their potential. In order for the pupils to gain their entitlement to a broad, balanced curriculum, there is full integration into the school pastoral system and a close co-operation with other faculty teams.

The school timetable is organised in order to secure maximum support for pupils with special educational needs. The Headteacher, through the SENCO, is the person ‘responsible' for ensuring that all pupils' ‘special needs' are known by all who teach them.

Provision is co-ordinated and directed by a team of 4 full time teachers, 2 part time teachers and 20 Teaching Assistants (TAs) who ensure the day-to-day operation of the school's SEN policy in line with the 1993 Education Act and the SEN Code of Practice.

Specialisms include provision for pupils with specific learning difficulties (SpLD), emotionally and behaviourally disturbed (EBD) pupils, and hearing impaired.

John Boaler SENCO (Head of Learning Support Faculty and Co-ordinator for Gift & Talented pupils)
Teacher working with individual pupils and supporting class teachers, where there are pupils who have learning difficulties.

Marion Andrews Assistant SENCO
SpLD teacher, working mostly with statemented pupils but also with some other pupils who have Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia).  

Gwyneth Miller Inclusion Co-ordinator
Teacher working on an individual basis with pupils who have emotional or behavioural difficulties, and supporting staff with pupils with EBD.

Felicity Collins Teacher of the Deaf
Teacher in charge of Hearing Impairment Specialist Centre. Providing advice and support to staff and parents of pupils with a hearing impairment, by organising suitable TA support, staff training and use of the Soundfield system.

Jo Mackay
Teacher working with pupils who have significant special educational needs (mainly lower school).

Teaching Assistants (TAs):
Rosemary Leppard (TA Manager)
Ilona Allin (Senior TA for assessment)
Kim McKenna (Senior TA for literacy)
Samantha Aspey
Craig Bartle
Suzanne Boulton
Sarah Cox
Tracey Crocker
Aldwyth Davies
Fiona Ernest
Fiona Hancock
Jackie Henderson
Lisa Henzl
Sarah Lammin
Brenda New
Sue Penton
Matthew Smith
Susan Stagg
Nicola Thomas
Jan Tong
Amy Williams

The TAs provide in-class support to pupils with Individual Education Plans and will sometimes also work with other pupils. TAs are members of the Learning Support Faculty though they also have individual faculty links. They also assist with assessments and run a ‘homework club' every lunchtime.

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