SEND Learning Support
'EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WHICH YOU CAN USE TO CHANGE THE WORLD'
NELSON MANDELA
Learning support covers a comprehensive range of needs. In addition to curriculum-based support, students are offered guidance and support in matters of a more social, emotional and behavioural nature.
Regular assessment takes place for those students who have been placed on the Special Educational Needs Register and receive additional support. This ensures that effectiveness of the interventions can be evaluated, students’ progress can be monitored and further or alternative interventions put in place, if necessary. The department regularly reviews the students on the SEND register. The department also assesses students on the SEND register who may be eligible for Special Arrangements in their GCSE and other Key Stage 4 examinations and applies for these, in conjunction with the school’s Examinations Officer. Members of the department act as scribes and readers in these examinations.
In practical terms students are supported within the class and on a withdrawal basis. Teaching assistants work with both students and teachers in order to help students achieve their full potential.
Learning Support at Orchards Academy is underpinned by the legal requirements and moral imperatives expressed in the SEN Code of Practice (2015), Children and families Act (2014), Equality Act (2010) and the Disabilities Discrimination Act (2005)
The Mainstream core standards are the guidance from Kent Local Authority on provision that the local area expects to be made available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities attending mainstream schools.
The Academy staff refer to these when placing any provision or support in place, in line with the needs of the child or young person. Provision provided is not dependent on any formal medical diagnosis or educational determination.
The Mainstream Core standards document has been co-produced with parents, children and young people, schools, specialist teachers, educational psychologists, colleagues from health and the local authority.
For further details of services and support provided by the Local Authority please visit:
Speech, Language and Communication
Orchards Academy have been sent a link to the Speech Link Parent Portal which has been created to help parents and school support their children with their speech and language needs.
The Parent Portal gives lots of fun, free resources, tips and games, all focused around speech, language and communication needs.
Speech and Language Information for Parents
Mainstream Core Standards Guides
Mainstream Core Standards Guide for Parents
Working with Parents
Dear Parents and Carers,
Many parents are now making use of the SEND coffee mornings which we are holding regularly throughout the year to speak to staff and take advantage of the professionals that attend. If you have any concerns about your child’s progress you can always bring your child’s report to these sessions to discuss any concerns. Similarly if there is an area that you would like professional advice on and which we have not yet covered please let us know and we shall do our best to provide the information requested.
Dates for the SEND coffee mornings are on the website and are held once a term. If you have any concerns about your son/ daughter’s SEND support please feel free to email me on s.dudley@orchards-tkat.org
Ms S Dudley
SENCO