OUR SEND PROVISION
The Learning Support Team are there to provide your child with the support they may need to access during their time at Richmond.
We work to help your child access the learning environment, using the tools, resources and teaching and learning strategies that help them understand their learning and work to the best of their ability. This support is provided at all ages and stages of their journey with us at Richmond.
WHAT TYPE OF ADDITIONAL NEEDS ARE CATERED FOR?
We have extensive experience of working with students with a wide variety of additional needs, including pupils with specific learning difficulties, communication and interaction challenges, social, emotional and mental health needs, and physical or sensory difficulties. Access to support is not dependent on students having a formal diagnosis, nor on whether they have had additional support previously. It does however benefit from clear communication from current education providers, parents and any external services or organisations that work with you, so that we can arrange support in as timely a way as we possibly can.
Students with additional learning and access needs engage with the same courses and opportunities as everyone in their peer group, and should make good progress through high-quality teaching delivered by subject specialists. However, in some cases, an extra layer of support is beneficial. The nature of this support will depend on students’ individual needs and will be discussed with you prior to any change or adjustments taking place.
WHAT MIGHT SUPPORT LOOK LIKE?
Assistive technology - Laptops are available for students to use in their lessons to support written work where there are significant challenges with handwriting or at the recommendation of specialist reports. All students have access to Read & Write software, which is used in many schools. The software supports reading and writing and aims to boost students’ confidence. It is a useful tool for everyday study, revision and in some cases, exam completion. We can also provide a link to allow home use free of charge.
Other support available may be access to the learning support hub, CS10, to support regulation, in class support opportunities, Thrive, and additional English and maths interventions. There is also access to a supported homework space after school and to mentoring sessions. Support is always discussed with the parent/carer of the child.
ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS
Some students are eligible for additional time, a reader, scribe or use of a laptop in exams and assessments to make sure they aren’t disadvantaged by their learning differences or disabilities. These systems support students in becoming more independent and taking a lead in their own learning to reduce their own barriers to future learning and work.
In consultation with teaching staff and parents, the Learning Support team will discuss access arrangements for formal and informal assessments and tests, and ensure that these are available to them when needed. We will assess your child if required at the appropriate stage.
A PERSONALISED APPROACH
For some young people, additional support with specific study skills can be a big help towards developing their progress. Some students may be mentored, either by a member of the Learning Support team or by a senior student. Others may have access to additional help from a Teaching Assistant in some lessons.
For a very small number of students, the standard timetable of GCSE and other Level 2 courses is not necessarily the best option and, in consultation with parents/carers, a personalised programme of study may be suggested. We will contact parents/carers of students who might be included in this type of arrangement.
SEND DOCUMENTS
Please click the link below to visit our School Policies page where you can find our SEND Information Report 2024-2025.
