Additional Learning Needs

Ysgol Bryn Collen seeks to ensure that all children with special educational needs, whether physical, intellectual, social or emotional, receive appropriate educational provision, and that such a provision will enable them to develop their potential to the maximum. This not only applies to pupils with issues which delay appropriate progress but also those children who fall within the ‘more able and talented’ ability-range.

Class teachers within the school or other outside agencies, which may be directly concerned with a child’s welfare, may express concern regard a child’s educational progress. The observations of the parents are also very welcome in this respect. Following a diagnostic period of detailed observation and assessment, the individual needs of each child will be considered. An Individual Education plan (or Communication or Behaviour Plan) will be created which addresses pupils’ needs within school – it is this which forms the basis of the teacher’s planning for the child and parents are asked to discuss and sign the IEP to ensure all parties agree to the approach being taken by the school. We welcome the support and liaison with parents at all times. It is possible that from time it may be deemed necessary to involve various outside agencies as part of the programme of provision. Such agencies could include:

Behaviour Support Services outreach, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Educational Psychologist or Speech Therapist.

Review meetings are held involving all parties concerned, to assess and monitor progress and set targets. We aim to consult parents in an honest manner from the outset when a child may be identified as having additional learning needs. Likewise we hope that we will listen/act sympathetically to any concerns expressed by parents about their child’s educational needs that have not been noted in school. However, we acknowledge that there may be occasions when a parent wishes to pursue the matter further. Should the Headteacher receive such concerns then the governor for special needs or the Chairperson of Governors would be informed. In many cases such concerns would be resolved within the school. However, if this is not possible, then parents should seek advice from the Local Education Authority.

The decision to admit children with complex Additional Learning Needs is made in consultation with the Head teacher, Governors, parents and the Local Education Authority. The final decision would depend upon a number of factors including the level of support that can be offered to the child in order for him or her to access the curriculum and the accessibility to the child of the building and other facilities. A child with complex needs would normally have a Statement of Special Educational Needs which would specify the nature of the support needed for that child to access the curriculum. The Head teacher and governors would work in partnership with the Local Authority to organise support and additional provision necessary to ensure the pupil’s needs were being met within the school.