Junior SchoolSenior SchoolSixth Form

Learning support

Sidcot welcomes children with wide ranging abilities including those with learning support needs.  The Learning Support Department provides high quality specialist teaching and support, enabling students to:

  • Gain access to the mainstream curriculum by improving their literacy or mathematical skills
  • Record their knowledge and understanding of the curriculum
  • Become independent learners

As part of the process staff in the department listen to the students and act as advocates for individuals in terms of their relationships with teaching staff and other students. The department forms a strong part of the pastoral system and reflects the caring ethos for which Sidcot School is famous. 

All students enrolled in the department have an Individual Education Plan that is regularly reviewed, updated and sent to teaching staff. All staff are therefore aware of the strengths, learning style and difficulties of each student. The IEP contains information, based on Educational Psychologists’ recommendations, which provide classroom strategies to enhance learning.

Sidcot is registered with CReSTeD  (The Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils) and can provide support to students with mild to moderate learning support needs.  Most of the students referred to the department have been identified as having specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia. 

Facilities

Sidcot has specially designed facilities for learning support on the second floor of the main building.  An attractive resource and administration area also houses several computers.  Students are generally taught individually in one of the three tutorial rooms.  The department has excellent resources and is able to offer programmes of study, which are recognised as being appropriate for dyslexic students.

Admissions

During the admissions process, the Head of Learning Support may be consulted for an opinion on the student’s suitability if there is any indication that they have learning difficulties or if they have a statement.  This will be based on whether Sidcot has the facilities and resources to meet the child’s needs.  Parents will be asked to provide an Educational Psychologist’s report and any other relevant reports.