Learning Support

The Learning Support Department is committed to helping pupils achieve their potential and to support pupils in overcoming possible barriers to learning. Whilst Dauntsey's is a selective school, we recognise that every pupil has their own individual needs. 

Within mainstream lessons, pupils are supported through differentiation and adjustments to teaching. A Summary of Need document is written to inform teachers of students' individual needs, where appropriate. For pupils who need a little extra support, the department has specialist teachers who offer individual lessons to supplement their learning. Learning Support lessons are once a week, lasting 35 minutes and on a one to one basis. Learning Support lessons are charged on the school bill and pupils do not miss any school lessons to attend them.

The aim of the specialist lessons is to provide strategies for learning and language development within a mainstream educational environment. These may include: study skills, revision support, organisational strategies and multi-sensory teaching to develop literacy and numeracy. For pupils who have specialist lessons, the department produces a Pupil Profile documenting their specific learning needs and this is disseminated to all of their teachers and pastoral staff. Pupils' views are integral to this document.

Parents are advised to submit educational psychologist assessment reports with evidence of their child's individual needs on application to Dauntsey's.

Pupils receive access arrangements in public exams in line with the JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) guidelines. This requires pupils to have an assessment which is carried out after consultation with the Head of Learning Support. This assessment can be with a specialist school assessor or an Educational Psychologist. Evidence of need and normal way of working from a pupil’s subject teachers is also required for exam access arrangements.

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