Learning Development

At King’s House School we believe that each child is unique and has their own distinctive talents. At various times throughout their school careers, children may need additional support in order to fulfil their potential. The learning development team works to ensure that the needs of all learners are met.

Where appropriate, our learning development department offers a nurturing environment where pupils may obtain the extra support they need to help them to work to their individual strengths and to achieve their best. The team liaises closely with teachers, parents and external professionals to ensure early identification of additional support and plan appropriate intervention.

Children may require help with:

• English or Maths
• Working memory
• Social skills
• Planning and organisation
• Study and revision skills, including managing exam concessions
• Sensory and physical skills

Identifying potential students that may need support

Naturally, some pupils are identified with possible learning difficulties, health problems and/or emotional or behavioural difficulties. In these cases, our Head of Learning Development (SENCO – Special Educational Needs Coordinator) works closely with teachers, Heads of Year and the parents to initiate a process of assessment and action that will support the pupil.

Assessment usually begins with classroom observation and might include an initial screening, and then possibly a referral for further diagnostic assessment.

Support

Many pupils benefit from small group lessons provided by our team of Higher Level Teaching Assistants, who liaise closely with the pupil’s classroom teachers. These lessons are bespoke and are aimed at giving the pupil the opportunity to revisit the specific foundational Mathematics and Literacy that they have missed when they were younger, or are struggling to consolidate as the curriculum becomes more complex. Support lessons are also an effective way to assess and monitor a student and, importantly, a very effective way to boost the pupil’s self-esteem and open them up to learning.

Following the advice of specialist professionals, we are also able to follow bespoke one-to-one reading programmes to support our pupils who are working at a lower level than their peers.

All teachers receive professional development to raise awareness of children’s needs and ensure that support materials are available in class. Additional support is monitored and reviewed termly to ensure that we deliver effective provision as and when it is needed.

We also work closely with our Local Authority – Achieving for Children – who offer a wealth of resources and advice for parents and children. To see what they might be able to offer you, please do look at their Local Offer here.

You can view our learning support policy here.

For more information please contact the Head of Learning Development, Mrs Rebecca Lane, on lane.r@kingshouseschool.org.

IQM Inclusive School Award

We are delighted that in November 2023 King’s House was award the IQM’s (Inclusion Quality Mark) Inclusive School Award, which recognises a school’s ongoing commitment to provide the very best education for all children.

The report highlights the quality of the Learning Development team, who work to ensure that all pupils can thrive at King’s House and have their needs met, as well as how small class sizes allow teachers to provide individualised support for pupils. You can read the report summary below, which we hope you’ll enjoy reading.