SEN Learning
The emphasis for SEN at Roding Valley is inclusion. We believe that all students should have access to a broad and balanced curriculum, including students with Learning needs. Therefore, much of our support is given in classrooms where the teacher makes the work accessible for all students.
Our team consists of SENCo, SEN teachers, Senior Learning Support Assistants and a team of dedicated Learning Support Assistants. We are keen to develop close and working relationships with parents who are included in regular reviews of their children's progress. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are reviewed twice a year, to which parents are invited and strongly encouraged to attend. The SENCo always attends parents' evenings- and we are always at the end of the phone!
We have an excellent transition programme. We meet and talk to SENCos in Primary schools to gather a complete picture of an individual student's learning needs in the summer term of Year 6. Students visit Roding Valley with their parents/carers and are interviewed individually by members of our team. Individual tours of the school can also be arranged through the Special Needs department on request.
In the autumn term of Year 7, all students are screened for their reading, comprehension and writing abilities. Based on these results some students follow our outstanding reading scheme all through Year 7. These students have 15 minutes of supported reading a day, as well as having access to other software to support their progress in literacy. We believe that this one to one support is essential in developing the skills that are necessary to access the wide and varied curriculum at Roding Valley. The results of the reading scheme are excellent.
As well as the Reading Scheme, there is individual, paired and small group withdrawal from lessons for some students with specific needs. We run booster classes for literacy, numeracy, handwriting, organization and independent learning in Years 8 and 9. These classes run for 4 weeks. During these classes, small groups of students work together to set and review personal targets. We also work closely with the Learning Support Unit (LSU) who work with students who have behavioural needs.
The department is well resourced. We have laptops that students use in lessons and booster classes to help them record work completed in class. We also have interactive whiteboards, and various software programmes to support students with their numeracy and literacy, as well as a wide selection of books and other reference material to support students' Learning.
The department runs a lunchtime club for students. This is a place where students can come for a supported, caring environment at lunchtime. We also have a very successful homework club after school on a Monday to Wednesday where students can come if they need advice in completing homework. Learning Support Assistants always attend homework club. We believe that this is essential in helping students, and parents- encouraging our students to become more independent, responsible learners.
At Key Stage 4, especially during transition reviews, we liase closely with students and parents in choosing options. We arrange careers interviews and invite Connexions into the school to help students choose options that will match their interests and abilities. At the beginning of KS4 we also access students for access arrangements for exams based upon their history of need. We organise a range of different access arrangements for students including readers, scribes and extra time in exams should it be felt to be necessary.
We are proud of the support we give to students at Roding Valley who have additional learning needs. Working together with students, parents and classroom teachers we aim to fulfil the school's motto- success for all.
