Woodleigh School Learning Support

The learning support department exists to give specialised 1:1 support to the development of literacy and numeracy skills of children who would otherwise have difficulty in accessing the curriculum at a level commensurate with their intellectual capacity. The department currently employs a member of staff holding the Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre Diploma (merit) in the teaching of students with specific learning difficulties and was last inspected in April 2008 by CReSTeD (Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Children) whose report is included in this prospectus pack and can be viewed on the Woodleigh School website. Children receive support in one of three ways: They may arrive as new pupils having already been assessed by an Educational Psychologist, whose report forms the basis of the first teaching programme. They may be referred as causing concern when very young, assessed and kept under review, remediation following at a later stage if necessary. They may be referred by staff, assessed and the process of remediation begun immediately. It is likely that at some future time an assessment will be carried out by an Educational Psychologist. This is now generally sought from Dyslexia Action at York University whose reports are comprehensive, detailed and prompt.

Care is taken to avoid withdrawal from key and favourite subjects to promote an ethos of inclusivity. Emphasis is placed on the importance of happiness and self-esteem and a belief that all children can realise their full potential with support and a willingness to work hard. Ongoing liaison with teaching staff ensures that the expertise and experience of all is shared for the benefit of those pupils needing support. It is recognised that learning difficulties of any kind can be a source of anxiety to children and their parents and time is made available to parents whenever they wish in addition to the regular parent-teacher consultations held twice-termly. This is particularly valuable when the time comes to make a choice of school for continuing education. The department liaises fully with the chosen school, before and after admission, should parents so wish. Woodleigh School Learning Support In order to allow us to discuss any specific needs in detail when you visit Woodleigh, it would be helpful if you could complete and return the form below before or at the time of your visit. Thank you. If your son/daughter has previously had an assessment for learning support, please give details below: Reason for assessment:

Date of assessment:

Name of agency:

If possible, please enclose a copy of any relevant assessments or any other documents you consider useful.