Information Book Just for Starters - Stockport Grammar School

LEARNING SUPPORT
When the title ‘Learning Support’ is used in schools it is usual to think of pupils who have
Special Educational Needs. Independent schools, however, are in an unusual position.
Our pupils have met rigorous criteria to gain entry to the school and cannot be said to
have a ‘significantly greater difficulty in learning’ than the majority of children of the same
age, which is the conventional definition of SEN. However some pupils may have a slight
difficulty or relative weakness in one aspect of their learning when compared to their peers
in the school, for example an able pupil with dyslexia or dyspraxia. These pupils could be
said to have ‘additional learning needs’ and the school strives to support these pupils. They
are encouraged to play to their strengths and at the same time make improvements in their
area of weakness so that they can access the curriculum more easily, keep up with the pace
of lessons and so can fulfil their potential.
Some of our pupils have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use
of educational facilities provided for children of the same age in the school and have a
Statement of Special Educational Needs. These pupils generally have a sensory impairment
- visual or hearing impairment - and they have specialist help to enable them to access the
curriculum.
Mrs Dawn Meers is the Learning Support Coordinator and Mrs Molly Evans supports pupils
in the Mathematics department. The school welcomes many visiting teaching colleagues
from outside agencies, such as Stockport’s Educational Service for Sensory Impairment and
Manchester’s Children’s Services, who come into school to support specific pupils.
The Headmaster and Governors are committed to supporting the learning, attainment and
personal development of all pupils at the school including those with additional learning
needs.
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