Our SENDCO, Ms Holmes, leads the learning support department, which consists of a team of dedicated staff members committed to meeting pupils' individual needs and enabling pupils to recognise the valuable and positive impact they can have, both in school and in their wider communities.
At St Christopher’s C of E High School, we have a whole school focus on providing high-quality, inclusive teaching, which is the single most important factor when improving educational outcomes for pupils with SEND.
Our main aim is to ensure that all pupils who have a learning disability or difficulty receive their entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum and have a successful transition to the next stage in their educational journey or career.
On entry to school, alongside transition information from primary school, a pupil’s English and maths skills are tested to provide a clear picture of need and identify any gaps in their core skills. Targeted interventions and support can then be implemented. This can include:
• advice to teachers on appropriate strategies to be used in the classroom
• subject specific interventions led by Heads of Department and teaching assistants
• provision of specialist equipment or technology such as laptops, visual aids, physical aids
• a variety of supported activities at breaks and lunchtimes
• computer-assisted learning using literacy acceleration programme
• assessment for access arrangements for internal and GCSE or A level exams
• teaching assistant support in the classroom (usually advised through EHCP provision).
Termly reviews of all pupils on the SEN register ensure that pupils and their parents or guardians have an opportunity to discuss progress or potential concerns in a timely manner.
"Leaders ensure that the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified swiftly and accurately. Leaders have provided teachers with a variety of strategies to help this group of pupils to access the full curriculum. Teachers have valued this training. They are skilled at supporting pupils with SEND in lessons."
OFSTED 2022
“Pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve well. Leadership of the special educational needs department is a real strength of the school. Leaders within the department know the pupils very well and support for pupils is sharply matched to pupils’ needs. Teaching assistants are valued highly and systems for their performance management are robust. Teachers use information in the excellent ‘pupil passports’ to ensure that all pupils are well catered for in lessons”.
OFSTED 2016
You can download copies of our SEN Information here: SEND Policy and Information Report
Foundation Pathways - Sixth Form Centre
Support for our students also extends into our outstanding Sixth Form centre. We have excellent pastoral and academic support in place for students who are ready for A-level study but require some additional intervention and we have our Foundation Pathways programme for those students who require a positive and well-supported environment in which to develop both academically and socially.
To learn more about Foundation Pathways, please click here.