Learning Support

The Learning Support Team at Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy is a Christian community that believes all students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), are entitled to an enriching, fulfilling and meaningful education. The experienced and versatile Learning Support Team works in close collaboration with external agencies, professionals, and teaching staff across all curriculum areas to ensure that all students are given opportunities to “flourish bravely and faithfully” on their journey through secondary school. Diversity is recognised and celebrated, with all students experiencing an equal opportunity to academic achievement within a broadly balanced National Curriculum, and participation in extra-curricular activities and school trips.

Click on the headings below to find out more:

1. Our Facilities

2. Our Staff

3. How We Support Our SEND Students

4. Intervention and Support

5. Transition for SEN Students

6. Professionals That We Work With

7. Policies and Documentation

8. Further Information and Support

1. Our Facilities

Our brand new Learning Support building was opened in Summer 2023 and is a purpose built space with desks and computers for students to work at, as well as meeting rooms. It is where the base for our Learning Support team is, and where students can go when their feel ill or need assistance.

It provides a quiet and supportive space for our SEND students, away from the main school buildings.

2. Our Staff

SENCO:	Dr R Saunders - 01772 600349 or office@bishopr.co.uk
Deputy SENCO:	Mrs N Lawrence
First Aid Co-ordinator:	Mrs R Ball

Teaching Assistants:
Mrs A Cross	Mrs A Schwarzer
Mrs W Gibbons	Mrs D Robinson
Mrs E Ruttle	Mr J Wright
Mrs E McCulloch	Miss C Halliwell
Mrs A Parkinson	Mrs H Boucher
Mrs S Proudley

3. How We Support Our SEND Students

Our team supports students who have a wide range of needs including those with physical difficulties, learning difficulties and behavioural issues as well as those who have difficulty with speech, language and communication. Further information on these needs can be found on our SEND Information page.

Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy has high aspirations for all, and the measure of challenge as well as quality of support inspires our students to achieve both in and out of the classroom. All teaching and support staff engage in Continuous Professional Development to ensure best practice which is central to the successful education of all students. Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy aspires for all students to become confident, independent, and resilient learners.

4. Intervention and Support

The school recognises the importance of early identification and intervention in order to address the needs of SEND students, as identified in the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0 to 25 Year (2015). If students require further support whilst at school, we have a number of institutions and professionals that we can work with.

We have a range of staged interventions that can be accessed in and out of school, these are briefly described below:

Wave 1 – High Quality First Teaching Strategies
Wave 2 – High Quality First Teaching including interventions for Literacy (Lexia, Bedrock, Rainbow Reading) and Numeracy (Sparx). Support from external agencies may also be sought if appropriate.
Wave 3 – Highly personalised interventions informed by Specialist Teachers, a Speech and Language Therapist, an Occupational Therapist or Educational Psychologist and/or provision within Education, Health and Care Plan.

Further information can be found in this powerpoint:

5. Transition for SEN Students

New students who have been identified with SEND will be invited into school for our SEN taster day, normally held in June, in a smaller group. As well as having the opportunity to meet some of their teachers and learn more about the school, these students will also spend some time in our Learning Support department, getting to know the members of staff who will be around to help them if needed. Below is a copy of the Transition Booklet given to SEN Students prior to starting, and a welcome message from our SENCO, Dr Saunders: