Support for Learning

At Priory School we believe that pupils have a right to an education which is appropriate to their needs and abilities as individuals. As far as possible it is our aim to identify and minimise any barriers to learning or specific difficulties that pupils may or do experience.

The team is dedicated to making sure all of our pupils have the best possible outcomes in their education and into adulthood. We balance support with promoting independence. We are always working towards preparing our pupils for adulthood. The department works alongside teaching staff to enable all pupils to access a broad and balanced curriculum.

The pupil support department works with pupils according to their individual needs to ensure that all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) make good progress. Support takes a number of forms; it may be given individually or in small groups, in mainstream classes or within the pupil support department. We are sensitive to the emotional needs of our young people and ensure that pupils are not isolated or stigmatised when working with the department

We aim to provide short term interventions that enable pupils to be successful independent learners in the classroom. Some pupils, who have more complex needs will require longer-term or more specialist support from the department, this will be tailored to their individual needs.

Support includes:

• Literacy and numeracy interventions
• Social skills groups and individual emotional support
• Assessments of strengths and needs and advice for teachers
• Exam concessions and access arrangements
• Equipment and resources, such as handwriting pens, laptops and coloured overlays
• An identified supportive area for pupils to access during breaks