SEND, Inclusion, EAL, and Learning Support
The Learning Support Department at Crispin is committed to ensuring that all students with additional needs have equal access to the learning and curriculum through careful understanding of their individual needs, high quality teaching and targeted intervention and support.
Crispin adheres to the 0-25 Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice 2015 through the 'Assess, Plan, Do, Review' process and a graduated response to identify additional learning needs. We work closely with students, parents and outside agencies to ensure that we have a good understanding of the individual requirements of each of our students on the SEND register and all staff are committed to the inclusion and progress of all our students.
Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported by a skilled and dedicated team of Learning Support Assistants in a variety of ways, both in the whole class setting, and through small group and 1:1 interventions.
If you would like further information about SEND Provision at Crispin, please contact the Main School Office to make an appointment with our SENDCo, Victoria Leyland, or on Wednesdays, Philippa Lockhart.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
At Crispin, we make sure that every student gets the same opportunity to access the curriculum including those for whom English is an additional language. Teaching staff use a range of differentiated resources to ensure that our EAL students can actively participate in the lessons.
We also run EAL interventions twice a week to help accelerate the acquisition of English. Using a variety of methods, including ICT programmes, we aim to build students’ confidence and encourage speaking.
Useful EAL Links
Supporting your Child's English Skills
Coronavirus resources, home learning and project-based work
Huge range of activities to support learning English at any age
Games for EAL students to better their English skills
Lots of short video clips to support learning English
Variety of phonics and grammar games for all ages. Kindergarten is equivalent to 4-6 year olds. Grade 1 is equivalent to English Year 2. Grade 6 equivalent to Year 7
News articles at three different English levels for pupils to read
Interventions
English Interventions (Fresh Start, Spelling Detectives, Rapid Readers)
We deliver a range of targeted, time limited literacy interventions to students who may require extra support in the areas of reading, comprehension, and spelling. Clearly differentiated, age appropriate visual resources are used to support students and encourage comprehension and language building skills whilst developing reading and spelling. The interventions used are designed to build confidence in our students and help them to develop strategies to aid in the retention and retrieval of information. Targets are shared with subject teachers and 'top tips' for supporting students with literacy difficulties developed through staff training and high quality teaching.
Maths Interventions (Stern, Level Up)
For some of our students, understanding Maths and working with number problems can be challenging. We work closely with the Maths Department to revisit and support the learning of mathematical terms and concepts. A range of small group learning, visual support material, practical learning opportunities and differentiated resources are used to support learners and build on mathematical skills.
ELSA (Emotional literacy)
Emotional Literacy Support is provided at Crispin both within the classroom and through small group work and 1:1 sessions. We have a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) who has completed the training as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) and receives ongoing training and support with the Educational Psychologist.
Emotional Literacy recognises that we need to provide students with the skills and support they require to manage the day to day life of being a young person. Our ELSA focuses on developing social skills, understanding emotions, building self esteem, changing friendships and supporting students who have experienced bereavement. Social Stories or Therapeutic Stories are used to explore and understand difficult emotions such as anger and loss and help students acknowledge and manage these emotions effectively. This is often intervention based, however the skills and support can also be used in the classroom setting.
Click the picture above for free resources for parents.
Student Support Base Break and Lunchtime
The Student Support Base is staffed by The Learning Support Department and open at break and lunch time as a safe and calm space for students to eat their lunch and access adult support if needed.
During the colder months staff provide and supervise indoor activities, such as board games, arts and crafts, film club or just supporting friendships. In warmer weather, outdoor games are organised and students are encouraged to participate in team games or provided with a quiet outside space to chat to their peers.
Cognition and Learning
Top tips on how to support your child's reading skills and learning at home:
- Your child is an individual. We all learn differently so support them in a way that works best for them,
- Ask your child if they have had any Extended Learning for school/if they have any online lessons today/if they need any help,
- Help them plan and set aside time for Extended Learning/revision,
- Encourage them to read at home books they are interested in and try to implement it in their daily routine,
- It would be very helpful if you can be a role model and read at the same time they read,
- Ask them to read out the book or parts of the book they are currently reading,
- Breaks are necessary – nobody can sit in front of a screen all day. Encourage them to go out for a walk or contact their friends,
- Set an end to learning tasks and learning time. Children could benefit from using a timer or a watch when completing schoolwork at home,
- It can help if children have a designated place to do their homework, away from other distractions like the TV,
- It is important for children that adults in their lives have high expectations of them, since this can motivate them to try harder.
The Somerset Graduated Response Tool
Here is a video that sets out how the Somerset Graduated Response in Somerset works. Please watch this video and then should you have further questions about the process or support for your child please contact your child's tutor or head of house.
Important Links and Documents
SEND Information Report and Policy
Local Offer with Somerset Choices Children and Families
Special Educational needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIAS)
Social, Emotional, and Mental Health for Schools (SEMHS)
Emotionally-based School Avoidance
Maths Specific
School login details:
Username: chester1
Password: integer
Literacy Specific
Help and Support
Family Lives Helpline (for parents and carers)
Telephone: 0808 800 2222 (open 9am - 9pm Mon - Fri, 10am - 3pm weekends, closed Bank Holidays)
The Mix (youth support/counselling service for under 25s)
Telephone: 0808 808 4994 (11am - 11pm)
Young people can also use the website to talk to an adviser using text based web chat rather than over the phone.
NHS Somerset Partnership Help Resources
Anna Freud
Anna Freud is a place where parents can access resources and information on mental health and well being.
Beacon House
Support, Guidance, and Information for Families and Young People that have experienced trauma.
Ups and Downs
For help and support for children with Downs Syndrome.
The Dyslexia SpLD Trust
For help and support for children with dyslexia.
National Autistic Society
For help and support for children with autism.
Last Updated: November 2022
