Study Support

Welcome to Study Support where we endeavour to provide the most suitable support for all pupils. As a school we support all pupils through the provision of quality first teaching and adaptive teaching throughout each subject. Should a pupil be making less than expected progress the SEND team can assess and identify where additional support may be beneficial through a variety of methods. Based on assessments, intervention and delivery of suitable qualifications tailored to meet the needs of the individual.

We currently cater for pupils with a wide variety of learning differences, together with physical and sensory needs, social, emotional and mental health issues.

Study Support Staff

Mrs Steans is the SENDCo at Fernwood and Mrs Prentice is the Assistant SENDCo. We work closely with our student support team which is made up of Teaching Assistants with differing levels of qualifications. Each TA has a SEND area of specialism in which they are highly trained and are able to offer support and advice. We also have 2 Specialist Care Assistants and core subject specialists.

How does Fernwood identify and assess SEND?

We may include and use a variety of information to identify and assess the needs of our pupils:

Information from feeder schools
Parent/carer views
Pupil views
Subject teacher comments
Tutor comments
Assessments data
Reports data
Outside agencies comments
Diagnostic assessments

We work closely with our local primary schools so we are aware of pupils who may have had difficulties in the past. The school also monitors pupils regularly to identify any issues or difficulties.

How are parents of children with Special Educational Needs involved in the education of their child? How are pupils with SEN involved in their own education?

If you have a child with SEND or have any concerns about your child’s learning needs we are always happy to discuss these with you. We work alongside parents and carers to ensure that their child is happy and able to achieve their full potential.

The views of the parents/carers are important to us here at Fernwood School. Pupils identified as SEND will be issued a keyworker. A child’s keyworker will contact parents in the first term, share their provision plan and continue to be a point of contact for any issues or concerns.

SEND pupils who have an EHCP will have annual reviews involving parents, key members of staff, the SENDCo and any involved outside agencies.

Meetings With Parents

At Fernwood we recognise the importance of regular meetings with parents to discuss provision, interventions, and any suitable next steps. All parents of students who are on our SEND register will be offered termly meetings to discuss their child’s SEND and progress across the school. These meetings will be additional and separate to subject parents’ evenings. Face to face meetings with your child’s keyworker will be scheduled for Key Stage 3 (KS3) and Key Stage 4 (KS4) each term. Invitations will be sent to parents in advance, and we encourage you to attend these sessions to stay informed and engage with the support available for your child.

Additionally, if you require a meeting outside of this you can contact your child’s keyworker or SENDCo for this to be accommodated.

Key Stage 3

At KS3, pupils receive intervention in a number of ways including in-class support across the full range of academic and creative subjects, a Nurture Group, 1:1 interventions or other small group work. Highly structured programmes provide support for reading, spelling, handwriting, homework, life skills, social skills and organisation.

Key Stage 4

We offer a range of qualifications at Key Stage 4 through Pathway 3 which allow pupils to develop and recognise a variety of skills that will be invaluable for further study, starting work and living independent lives. The programmes provide for pupils working within the lower ability range and run alongside GCSEs and vocational qualifications. The programmes include: Food and cookery, ICT, Prince’s Trust and Land Based Studies. Pupils are advised to take qualifications at a level which suits their attainment whilst not restricting opportunities for further qualifications.

What should I do if I feel my child has an undiagnosed need?

At Fernwood we do not always need a diagnosis to be able to support a child and their needs. However, if you feel that your child may have an undiagnosed need you can use the following guidance for advice and how to seek a diagnosis.

ADHD or Autism

If you feel your child has either ADHD or autism you use the same referral form for the correct local authority team, which is completed by you. Once completed school can add their parts and either you or school can submit this.

Depending on the GP your child is registered with will depend on which referral form to use.

Nottingham City Forms and Guidance

Nottingham County Forms and Guidance

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a condition of neurodevelopmental origin that mainly affects the ease with which a person reads, writes, and spells, typically recognised as a specific learning disorder in children. Whilst we cannot provide you with a diagnosis for dyslexia, we can screen students for an indication of dyslexia tendencies. We have a dedicated member of staff withing the Study Support team who can assess students for dyslexia. Please contact your child’s form tutor or the SENDCo if you feel you child has dyslexia tendencies.

Speech Language and Communication Needs

Sometimes our students struggle with the speaking and understanding of verbal language. Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County have their own Specialist Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service. You can get advice and how to refer here:

https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/specialist-childrens-speech-and-language-therapy/

EAL – English as an Additional Language

At Fernwood we have our own EAL specialist TA who assesses and delivers intervention for those who need additional support. If you child is not receiving EAL intervention and you feel they require this, please contact your child’s tutor or the SENDCo.

Information for Parents

Padlet - SEND Information Board

Curriculum