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SEND

Introduction

The SEND department works in close partnership with parents and staff to ensure that each student, regardless of academic or physical difficulties, is able to make excellent progress in and enjoy every aspect of school life.

For detailed information about St. Aidan’s Learning Support facilities read the policy document and the SEND information report.

Staff

  • Mrs R Hall: SENDCO
  • Ms S Howell: Assistant SENDCO
  • Mrs A Markham: Assistant SENDCO & SEND Administrator
  • Miss M Chanter: Exam Access Arrangement Assessor

We offer a morning ‘meet & greet’ where identified students are able to check in with a member of the learning support team and make sure they are learning ready for the day.

We also have a small number of students who are able to access a staffed safe space at break and lunch times where we run different games and arts and crafts activities, as well as allowing students to speak to a member of staff about any concerns they have about how their day is going.

KS3

When joining us in Year 7, all students are screened using The New Group Reading Test (NGRT). This is a standardised assessment to measure reading skills of students aged 5-16 years against the national average. Students with low levels of reading comprehension or phonics are identified and receive a literacy intervention programme in the mornings during WALK time delivered by teaching assistants.

In Key Stage 3, a small number of students receive support from teaching assistants in some of their lessons. The teaching assistant would usually be supporting several students in the class who have been identified as needing extra help or guidance.

For further information please see our Main School Prospectus.

KS4

Towards the end of Year 9, students who have been identified throughout their time at St Aidan’s as needing extra support in their exams will be tested for formal exam access arrangements, such as extra time or use of a reader, word processor or scribe in written examinations. These will meet the requirements of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). Students are then provided with appropriate support in class assessments, mock examinations and external examinations.

In Years 10 and 11, there are options choices, such as ASDAN, that enable some students to study a less academic curriculum. A very small number of students (who normally have an Educational Health and Care Plan) may study one less option subject in order to have support in preparing for GCSE examinations.

For further information please see our Key Stage 4 Courses Booklet 2025. 

KS5

Support for sixth form students is considered on an individual basis; any students with an EHCP or other special educational needs who have come from a different school will be invited to a transition meeting to discuss the type of support that can be offered.

For further information please see our Associated Sixth Form Prospectus.