Learning Support

At Ditcham Park School, we recognise that each child has individual abilities, strengths and needs. Our aim is to identify and meet these needs.

The Learning Support department is supported by three Learning Support teachers. Mrs Rachel Standen has many years of teaching experience during which time she has worked with pupils across both primary and secondary key stages.  We also have Ms Kate Dunleavy within the department.  Kate is an experienced Junior teacher, having worked as a classroom teacher within the Junior School at Ditcham Park School for over 10 years. She is a trained drawing and talking therapist.   Finally we have welcomed Mrs Sarah Hamilton-Williamson in the past year.  Sarah is an experienced Junior teacher, but has been developing her skillset into working with Senior pupils and has qualified as a drawing and talking therapist as well.

Throughout the school, the Learning Support department offers a variety of support and interventions to pupils, covering all four categories of Special Educational Needs as detailed in the SEND Code of Practice. We establish an inclusive environment for pupils with SEND by having high expectations of all the pupils that we teach and aiming to remove all barriers to learning and participation in school. The Learning Support department celebrates neurodiversity and encourages all pupils to become aware of their strengths and preferred learning styles. This enables children to achieve their individual potential and grow into confident, independent learners. Learning strategies are multisensory and utilise a wide range of resources. Tasks are designed to build self-esteem, confidence and resilience. Learning is interactive and engaging.

Alongside ongoing teacher assessment, we use standardised testing to monitor each pupil’s potential and progress. This approach allows us to understand each pupil’s needs and to ensure that the appropriate support is put in place to encourage the best outcomes. Where necessary, early intervention can be targeted to the child’s individual needs, removing barriers to learning. Our aim is that skills learnt in Learning Support sessions are transferable to the classroom, home learning and beyond. As appropriate, Learning Support staff will work with class teachers in order to promote tailored strategies for each pupil. Additionally, each pupil with SEND will contribute to their own pupil ‘passport’. The aim of the passport is to ensure that key information is shared with all staff who teach the child in order that they are supported to make the best possible progress. The passport will be regularly reviewed and adapted as the pupil’s needs change.

All pupils in Seniors who require additional provision for examinations will be screened by the Learning Support department in Form 3, thus allowing us sufficient time to put access arrangements in place.

The Learning Support department for Juniors is led by Belinda Fifield who will also remain as Learning Support teacher for some pupils in Seniors. Hayley Brimble is

 Head of Learning Support for Seniors and the EHCP Coordinator. Both are highly qualified and have many years of experience working across primary and secondary key stages with SEND pupils. The Learning Support department is supported by two Learning Support teachers. Mrs Rachel Standen has many years of teaching experience during which time she has worked with pupils across both primary and secondary key stages.  This year we have also welcomed Ms Kate Dunleavy to the department.  Kate is an experienced Junior teacher, having worked as a classroom teacher within the Junior School at Ditcham Park School for over 10 years.

Cost Learning Support Lessons:

Learning Support lessons are charged additionally and are subject to VAT.  Please contact either Belinda Fifield or Hayley Brimble for costings of lessons.

These costs are subsidised, and we hope will offer excellent value for money.

Please contact Mrs Hayley Brimble on Hayley.brimble@ditchampark.com for queries within the Senior School for Learning Support.

Please contact Mrs Belinda Fifield on Belinda.fifield@ditchampark.com for queries within the Junior School for Learning Support.