Over the last few years, the Learning Support department has been busy working and developing its tracking and reporting system. Whilst we continue to welcome feedback, we have now, for the last year, offered a considerable jump in the consistency and regularity of our input for not only interventions, but SEND mentoring. 

All students with an EHCP or on the Learning Support register as SEND Support will be given a Learning Support Mentor. This staff member will most likely be a Learning Support Assistant present in some students lessons. However, this isn't always the case. For example, the student might not need academic support in the lesson, or the staff member supports other classes. The mentor will build a relationship over the year and meet with the mentee regularly as often as every day. The mentor ideally will set a regular time to meet to discuss how they are getting on. 

Initially, when the mentor is assigned a student, they will take some time to get to know the student and all the information belonging to the student. Then, they will investigate the ' Learning Picture ' such as primary school reports, professional reports, medical, diagnosis, and anything to help form an understanding. This is then taken in conjunction with what they know and have witnessed.

The mentor will then (in year 7) build the students 'Pupil Profile'. This profile holds Student Passport, SEND Learning Plan, Provisions List, and SEND Documentation. 

Student Passport - Student Passport (Example)
This would be the first document created on behalf of the student by the mentor. This describes all about the student in easy to understand and familiar language, Hobbies, interests, what helps in a lesson, what I can do for myself. The Student Passport updates regularly through the year as changes happen. 

SEND Learning Plan - SEND Learning Plan (Example)
The main focus of our mentees, and a central place to hold our EHCP outcomes within the classroom. Every half-term, the mentors will review the SEND Plan, offering an insight into how the year progresses. The SEND Learning Plan links together all staff, interventions and strategies being used to support students. 

 

Working in Partnership with Parents

Our priority as a department is always the direct, day-to-day support of your child in school. At the same time, we recognise that close collaboration with parents is essential for achieving lasting and meaningful progress. To support this, we have strengthened how we share information and feedback with families across the academic year.

Each pupil on the SEND Register is supported by a named mentor who acts as a consistent point of contact for parents. Mentors will hold planned phone or online check-ins with parents each term as a minimum, ensuring families are kept up to date with progress, emerging concerns, and next steps. This structured approach provides clarity and consistency for families, while allowing staff to focus their time where it matters most, working directly with pupils.

By sharing updates regularly and listening carefully to parental insight, we build a more joined-up understanding of each pupil’s needs. This partnership supports early identification of concerns, responsive support in school, and stronger long-term outcomes for pupils.