Support for Learning

The Grange School believes every child is unique and an individual. However, many children will need extra support at some time through their education. The Support for Learning department plays an integral part in the success of students at The Grange. Working collaboratively with teachers and pastoral staff to enable all students regardless of need to fulfil their full potential.

Most support is given in class to students with a small number having targeted intervention in the Support for Learning area of the school. Students are placed onto the SEND register in consultation with parents and carers when they have needs that require more support than most other students.

Most support is in classrooms with teachers trained in delivering lessons that are adapted to meet student needs. On some occasions, support may be given outside of the classroom where a specialist has recommended a specific intervention such as speech and language therapy.

We work on a need basis, therefore a diagnosis is not necessary for support.

HOW WE WORK

The Support for Learning Team work closely with Year Leaders and staff from Stapleton House, the Pastoral Support Team, Attendance Officers and the First Aid Officer to support students.

We also work with external agencies to support students and to train teaching staff and Learning Support Assistants. These include Educational Psychologists, Specialist SEND Teachers and NHS Services such as Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapists. We also work closely with the Buckinghamshire Local Authority Special Educational Needs team.

INTERVENTIONS

The Support for Learning delivers a number of interventions which include:

LSA Support in lessons is light touch and not intrusive so that students develop independence. LSA’s are not attached to one child and children will have the support of a variety of adults.
Year 7, 8 and 9 Literacy Interventions to improve reading and spelling including small group reading, Lexia and one to one
Speech and Language interventions as directed by therapists
Year 7 Nurture Group
Social Skills Groups
Break and Lunchtime club for vulnerable students in SL1 and SL3 ‘by invite only
LSA supported After School Homework Club from 3-4pm in IT rooms
Physiotherapy as directed by the PD or Occupational Therapist
Support from the Local Authority Specialist Inclusion Teachers

EXAM ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS

We work closely with The Examinations Officer to follow the Joint Qualifications Council’s statutory guidance on examinations access. We assess students for examinations access arrangements when they have a disability that means they may be eligible. Assessments for exam access starts in Year 9 for GCSE and is undertaken by a specialist exam assessor.

Parent and Carer Guide to Child Access Arrangements Download

DEPARTMENT STAFFING

Mrs S Jackson – Assistant Headteacher, Support for Learning

Miss W Jakeman – SENDCo for DISC Students (Works on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) and DISCO for Year 11

Mrs E Radford – SENDCo for all OVER Students and VERY for Year 11

Mr D Palmer – SEND Teacher of Learning Support Option (Key Stage 4 only). Oversees Kings Trust and Functional Skills Maths Qualification.

Mrs J Nicholas – Specialist Teacher and Assessor

Miss L Brown – Lead LSA Operations – Currently on Maternity Leave

Miss M Sullivan – Lead LSA Students and Operations

Mrs A Simons – SEND Administrative Assistant

FURTHER INFORMATION

Our SEND policy and Accessibility Policy can be found on the School Policies page

The Grange School SEND Annual Information Report September 2025 Download

For additional information please contact the school and ask to speak to Mrs S Jackson, Assistant Headteacher, Support for Learning or one of our SENDCO’s.