The Learning Support Unit (LSU)
The LSU offers support and expertise to pupils throughout the school who may be experiencing barriers to their learning.
We resolve difficulties, promote positive solutions and provide opportunities for individuals, and small groups, to improve their basic skills and their performance in the classroom, providing a sound foundation for their future education.
We also have a presence in the classroom where we support and encourage children who may be experiencing difficulties. In addition and when necessary, we liaise with other professionals such as educational psychologists, speech therapists and occupational therapists.
The LSU is committed to equal opportunities and show due regard in our work, policy and procedures to SENDA 2001.
Our Aim
Our aim is to ensure that children with learning difficulties are supported as fully as possible by subject teachers, tutors and learning support staff in accessing the curriculum and to work to their full potential. We also aim to ensure early identification, assessment and provision for any child who may have special educational needs.
We work towards:
- establishing close cooperation between parents, pupils and teaching staff throughout this process and encouraging a joint learning approach at home and at school.
- ensuring that no child is discriminated against in any area of school life on the basis of his/her disability.
- providing different levels of intervention to match the child’s level of need, acknowledging their dominant learning style and encouraging differentiation in the classroom.
- including the children in decision making and reviewing their progress in order that they can take responsibility for their learning and the type of intervention needed.
- helping every child realise his/her potential and increasing their self esteem, coordinating with our Head of Pastoral Care when needed.
- assisting children in their examinations (Common Entrance and 11+) by building Study Skills and also ensuring children have appropriate concessions in place.
Communication
We have a holistic approach towards the children we are teaching, working closely with other staff to ensure the needs of the whole child are met. There is close communication between members of staff and regular meetings are held where a unified approach is agreed and taken when considering actions or interventions for a particular child. We also have a common Care Diary which is shared by all staff. Any concerns are dealt with swiftly and all staff are informed. We have regular LSU meetings with whole staff, focusing on children with specific needs, differentiation and class strategies. We also have an effective database which gives each member of staff detailed information about the children in their class and suggested strategies.
Activities & Work
The LSU offers a special time for children in the mornings where we undertake eye strengthening exercises. During the school year, we also offer a variety of ‘brain gym’ sessions, fine motor and handwriting sessions and key board skills. We also work closely with a behavioural optometrist who screens the children for any tracking or convergence difficulties (this is an optional extra).
In October 2008, the LSU organised a full day with ‘Learning Performance’ , a professional company from Surrey, who presented workshops to all children from Year Two upwards to enhance and improve their learning and study skills. The day was informative, fun and used a wide variety of dramatic and interactive methods. In the evening, parents were invited to join us and thoroughly enjoyed exercises to improve their own memories and to clarify their thinking as well as learning ways in which they could support their child.
Training & Resources
The LSU team has recently received training from a software company promoting new types of literacy software designed to be helpful for dyslexics.
We have also acquired the latest Dragon voice-activated software package and a new literacy programme ‘Claroread’ which we plan to use with dyslexic children in the next academic year.
In addition to traditional spelling programmes for dyslexic children, the LSU provides IT based programmes (such as Wordshark and the maths based Numbershark), a range of other books and programmes and an up-to-date range of assessment materials for identification of difficulties.
Our Success
Many of the children awarded places at their chosen senior schools have been successful due (in part) to the support and tuition given to them by the LSU Department during their time at Hordle Walhampton.
At the end of each academic year, children with specific difficulties frequently receive school prizes and awards in recognition of their efforts and/or talents in a particular area.