Learning Support

In St Joseph’s College we believe that:

  • All children are individuals

  • All children have their own strengths

  • All children have particular interests and activities they enjoy

  • Some children find learning easy, some find it hard

With the right help all children can develop at their own pace.

In St Joseph’s College we endeavour to address the needs of all pupils including those who may experience learning difficulties during their school career. We consider it a priority that children with additional needs are given equal opportunity to access a broad and balanced curriculum. Provision for the children with additional educational needs is coordinated by the SIL Learning Support, Miss M Gribbin.

What are Additional Educational Needs?

Children with additional educational needs have difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age.

These children may have difficulties with:

  • All of the work in school

  • Reading, writing, number work or understanding information

  • Expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying

  • Making friends, interacting with others or relating to adults

  • Acceptable standards of behaviour

  • Organising themselves for class and for school

  • Physical or sensory need which may affect their ability to learn in school

Role Of Support Personnel (Classroom Assistants)

Support personnel undertake a range of duties to support pupils with additional educational needs.

  • Supporting the teacher in the delivery of the curriculum

  • Providing one to one support as identified in educational plans

  • Ensuring the health and safety of the pupils

  • Working with small groups of pupils giving additional support

  • Assisting the pupil in moving around the school

  • Motivating and encouraging reluctant learners

  • Modifying and adapting materials for pupils’ use

  • Promoting inclusion

  • Assisting with monitoring and evaluating pupils’ progress

  • Preparing / supporting pupils for assessments

Partnership with Parents/Guardians

In St Joseph’s College we value the knowledge, experience and views of parents/carers. We work hard to seek to establish partnerships with parents sharing information and making appropriate provision for all pupils.

Information is exchanged at:

  • Parent/teachers meetings

  • Consultations with Learning Support Coordinator

  • Telephone calls

  • Letters sent home

  • Meetings with outside agencies

  • Annual review meetings

Parents / Guardians are encouraged to:

  • Keep the school informed of specific additional needs their child might have

  • Support the child’s involvement in any support programme

  • Attend parent/teacher meetings

  • Attend annual review meetings

  • Regularly monitor their child’s homework diary

  • Share any concerns they have with Learning Support Coordinator

The SIL Learning Support can be contacted in any of the following ways:

  • Telephone

  • E-mail

  • In person at the school

  • Letter

  • Parents meetings

Supporting The Needs Of Pupils In St Joseph’s College

  • In house numeracy support programmes

  • In house literacy support programmes

  • Mentoring Programme

  • Secondary Pupils Support Service

  • Oakwood Advisory ASD Service

  • Educational Psychological Services/Behaviour Support Services

  • After School Services – Homework Club, Saturday

  • Counselling Service

  • Special consideration in examinations for pupils with specific learning needs

  • EW Support (Educational Welfare Officer)

  • IT Programmes

  • Learning Support Centre

  • Learning Support Assistants in classes

  • Outreach Support (St Gerard’s Resource Centre)

  • Newcomer Pupil Support (English as an additional language)

You can download or view our Learning Support Leaflet here.