It is our goal to ensure that all students have the support that they need in order to thrive academically and make positive contributions to life at our academy. We believe that the most important factor in ensuring academic and personal success is outstanding classroom teaching and we review the progress of all students with SEND at least three times a year in collaboration with parents/carers and also external agencies during annual reviews.
Our Learning Support Department works closely with parents, teachers and the students themselves, to put together an individual support plan to help overcome any barriers to learning students may face on their journey towards adult life.
A young person has learning difficulties if they:
- have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age
- have a disability which prevents or hinders the child from making use of educational facilities of a kind provided for children of the same age within mainstream classes.
There are two levels of support which a student may receive: School Support or support for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Students’ personalised support plans include support in the form of:
- Invitation to attend extra-curricular clubs or intervention groups.
- Targeted support from support teachers or Teaching Assistants in lessons.
- Advice from external professionals including Speech and Language Therapy Team, Autism Team and Occupational Therapy Team.
- Support from an Educational Psychologist.
- Exam Access Arrangements.
- Lexia (Phonics programme to improve reading ability)
- Phonics (small group)
- Speech and Language Therapy
- 1:1 Literacy or numeracy intervention
- Homework support
- Access to a laptop computer during lessons
- Counselling
- Behaviour mentoring
- Lunchtime club
- Key Stage 5 transition
SEND First
SEND First at Highbury Grove School
At Highbury Grove School we are dedicated to supporting all students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), through our SEND First approach. This ensures early identification and personalized support, helping every child reach their full potential both academically and socially. A key part of this is our SAM strategy—Seating Plans, Ask a Question, Mark Work—which ensures inclusive teaching practices are consistently applied.
- Seating Plans: We strategically place students to optimize engagement and learning, with special consideration for SEND needs.
- Ask a Question: Teachers ensure that students with SEND are actively involved in lessons by asking targeted questions to check understanding.
- Mark Work: Regular feedback is provided to all students, with tailored marking and feedback to address specific learning challenges.
By combining SEND First with SAM, we create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that ensures all students can thrive. We work closely with families and staff to develop individualized plans, removing barriers and promoting success for everyone.
Parent/Carer Engagement
Positive relationships with our parents and carers are very important to us and we are always looking for ways to grow and develop as a department.
Ways we keep in touch
- Consultation evenings – where we discuss students progress.
- Half termly coffee mornings – informal talks and discussions on key themes and chance to meet other parents and carers.
- Email and telephone – members of the team will regularly be in touch to talk about any issues and new opportunities that arise.
Please click on the links below for further information, or contact our SENDCO
Ms Assan: dassan@highburygrove.cola.org.uk