Learning Support Department

• Special needs cover a wide variety of conditions and may include dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, attention deficit disorder and processing/memory difficulties.
  
  
• A small number of students show signs of having a learning difficulty in one or more subject areas for which suitable provision is needed.
  
  
• Learning difficulties may affect children who have a high IQ equally as those of lower academic ability.
  
  
• Pupils are taught in mainstream classes.  Staff are advised on appropriate strategies to deal with individual learning difficulties and students are withdrawn for extra support where appropriate.
  
  
• The Learning Support Co-ordinator at Taunton School is Mr Peter Cartwright.  He is in the School five days a week.
  
  
• Regular assessment is carried out.  Screening tests provide a profile of basic reasoning ability (verbal and non-verbal), numeracy, reading and spelling.
  
  
• Pupils are supported, in 35-minute lessons in line with the School timetable, usually on a weekly basis and during study periods.  Most of the support is on an individual basis, but there could be an opportunity of small group work.
  
  
• Support lessons are at present funded by the parents and the fees for each session are £21.50.
  
  
• Support can be for specific learning difficulties (dyslexia-type), basic literacy skills (reading, spelling, comprehension), basic numeracy skills, study skills (learning strategies, revision and examination techniques).
  
  
• Educational psychologists and other professional agencies are used for more formal assessment and guidance where appropriate.
  
  
• Educational psychologists’ reports can be made available to examination boards for dispensation (usually in the form of extra time or provision of an amanuensis).  This is also given during School examinations.