Oswestry School Learning Support Unit

    The Learning Support Department was first established at Oswestry School in 1981 under the leadership of Mrs Pat Barker.  It catered for Senior School pupils in need of some remedial teaching, including those diagnosed as being dyslexic.

    Having outgrown its previous accommodation in the Lower School block, the department moved to its current premises in 1999 (aptly renamed 'Spooner Cottage', after Rev. Canon William Archibald Spooner D.D., Warden of New College, Oxford, Old Oswestrian 1856-1862).

    In addition to teaching, resource and study rooms, there is a fully equipped kitchen where pupils learn to follow recipes accurately and sequentially within a given timeframe.  There is an exercise room where pupils can practise balance and hand-eye coordination in order to improve gross and fine motor skills and prepare the mind for sharpened thinking skills. Additionally, there is a comfortable sitting room for video use and parental interviews.

    For younger pupils up to the age of nine, a large extra studies room is provided at Bellan House for members of the department to carry out learning support. It is equipped with a computer, resource area, exercise equipment (used for Brain Gym) and a craft corner.

    How do we discover if a pupil needs to attend the department?

    Pupils at Bellan House who are causing concern are referred by the class teacher to the learning support teacher who then carries out an assessment. The pupil may then be offered a lesson with the support teacher either on a one-to-one basis or in a small group.
     
    At Senior School new pupils are screened upon entry to the school.  If the department feels that further investigation is required it will ask the pupil to attend a further interview within Spooner Cottage. This procedure may take two to three periods of lesson time.  After assessment and discussion with colleagues, the pupil may be offered a place within the department.

    Parents are kept informed at all stages in agreement with the Special Needs Code of Practice issued by the government.

    Are pupils formally assessed?

    Some pupils come to Oswestry School with an assessment already carried out by an Educational Psychologist.  We may suggest that, in due course, new pupils to the department would benefit from such an assessment.  The cost of any external assessment is paid for by the parents of the pupil.

    When do lessons take place and how often?

    Pupils are taught during the school day, being withdrawn from mainstream lessons for between one and five periods per week.  In exceptional circumstances, a pupil may be withdrawn from lessons in excess of five periods.  The department recommends to parents which lesson(s) it would be advisable for the pupil to be withdrawn from and a decision is reached.  Most lessons are 1:1.  There is no additional charge for lessons held within the school day.

    What are the pupils taught in the department?

    Each pupil is taught according to his or her individual needs through multisensory (oral/aural, visual, kinaesthetic) teaching methods.  A teaching plan may include reading, structured spelling, comprehension, punctuation, reasoning, perception, organization, study and revision skills.

    How long will the pupil continue to attend the department?

    This depends entirely upon the nature of the difficulties the pupil is experiencing.  The severely, or even moderately dyslexic pupil can expect to remain with the department throughout their time in school.

    Pupils simply needing a little extra help, perhaps with spelling or reading, may stay with us for a brief period before being returned to full-time mainstream education.  The department monitors the performance of pupils in this latter group after their return.

    Does the department give homework?

    It is expected that reading will be carried out on a regular basis.  Weekly spelling lists are often given, especially to younger pupils.  Holiday prep is often set for Years 5 to 10.

    How will I be informed of my child's progress?

    Parents are informed automatically, through the school system of Parents' Evenings and end of term reports.  Otherwise you are most welcome to contact the department at any time with brief queries; it may be advisable to make a mutually convenient appointment for longer discussions.

    Staffing

    Head of Department:

    Mrs C Eve B.Ed. (Wales), Cert. Ed., R.S.A. Cert. Sp.L.D.,
    O.C.R. Dip. Sp.L.D., A.M.B.D.A., F.I O.S.

    Learning Support Teacher, Spooner Cottage:

    Mrs D Edwards B.Ed, (Wales), Cert. Ed., R.S.A. Cert. Sp.L.D

    Learning Support Teacher, Bellan House:

    Miss S Hall, B.A. (Surrey), P.G.C.E.

    Learning Support Assistant:

    Mrs A Bound C.& G. Cert. in Learning Support