Oakwood School is an educationally inclusive school in which the well-being, learning achievements and attitudes of every pupil matter.
The school recognises, however, that either for a short time or throughout a young person’s schooling some additional support may be required. Such support may be needed as a result of a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, emotional or social communication difficulties, fine and gross motor skills enhancement, a linguistic difficulty or family circumstance.
Due to small class sizes and our adult:pupil ratios, teachers know their pupils very well. They are quick to notice any changes in a pupil’s performance or a widening gap between an individual and his or her peers.
We have a designated member of staff who is the whole school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) and additional specialist teachers to provide support to children.
When required, a specific 1:1 programme is planned and delivered by Specialist Teachers from Year 2. Parents receive and individualised plan outlining specific targets and goals. These lessons accrue an additional charge. Some of our younger pupils benefit from Speech and Language Therapy, Play Therapy and Occupational Therapy all of which we are able to arrange during the school day.
From Reception upwards, pupils who require additional support or time work with our SENCO in small groups to help them develop basic skills to improve social communication, self-esteem and self-awareness. Pupils in Year 2 who require additional maths and English interventions receive bi-weekly lessons in groups of no more than five allowing each of our pupils to work to their highest potential.
Where external assessments are required, the Learning Support Department is able to liaise closely with the relevant specialists prior to any assessment and then to meet with parents in order to discuss how best to implement any recommendations within school. Educational Psychologist assessments are not often done before a child is 7-8 years old.