The Learning Support (SEND) Department

Who are we?

Our team supports students of ALL abilities and from ALL year groups. Our aim is to ensure that students are able to achieve their full potential regardless of any learning difficulty or disability whether that be long term or temporary.

Our commitment

Thomas Alleyne’s High School is committed to the concept of a comprehensive, inclusive education which offers all students the chance to succeed. SEND students work in a positive and supportive atmosphere. There is a commitment to providing the best possible universal provision for all starting with quality, dyslexia friendly teaching in every classroom. Additional support is available, when required, for students of any year group and of any ability. When provided it is with the intention of increasing access, raising attainment, encouraging ambition and improving attitudes. Rather than modifying expectations for students we believe in providing differentiated and individualised support where necessary, whether that be within class, in small groups or one-to-one. In this way all students are able to reach their full potential in terms of learning and extra-curricular participation.

What do we offer?

Additional support may be provided based on an up to date assessment of the student’s needs. This support will follow the process of Plan, Assess, Do, Review and will work towards clear outcomes which are listed on the student’s Learning Needs Passport. Additional support includes:

In the classroom

Small groups

One to one

Dyslexia Friendly strategies

Pupil Support Assistant

Resources – reading rulers, pen grips, stress balls, talking tins

Study techniques e.g. mind mapping

Adapted worksheets – eg printed on coloured paper or enlarged.

Quality First Teaching

Literacy Workshop (Y9)

Numeracy Workshop (Y9)

Handwriting Rescue

Coursework support (Y10-11)

Study Buddies (All years)

Social Club (All years)

Meet & greet “Head Start”

Head Start (Before school club)

Homework Club

Paired reading (Y9)

Revision mentoring (Y11)

Exam Dispensation preparation (Y11-13)

Literacy tuition (All years)

Touch Typing Intervention

What specialist services and expertise are available?

Every child on the SEND register at Thomas Alleyne's will be assigned a SEND Keyworker TA as a point of contact. The Keyworker will monitor the progress and pastoral development of their students with regular check-ins, conversations with staff and meetings at SEND Review Days

Jack Biggs	Assistant Headteacher: SENDCo	Biggs@tahs.org.uk
Sharon Oliver	Assistant SENDCo	oliver@tahs.org.uk
Judith McCusker	Learning Support Assistant	Mccusker@tahs.org.uk
Kate Wallbank	Learning Support Assistant	Wallbank@tahs.org.uk
Lisa Anderson	Learning Support Assistant	Anderson@tahs.org.uk
Dorota Hadden	Learning Support Assistant	Hadden@tahs.org.uk
Lisa Hemmings	Learning Support Assistant	Hemmings@tahs.org.uk
Jennifer O'Shaughnessy	Learning Support Assistant	O'shaughnessy@tahs.org.uk
Mollie Fowell	Learning Support Assistant	Fowell@tahs.org.uk