Learning Support
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Welcome to the Learning Support Department at Wildern School. We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive in an inclusive learning environment.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Wildern School is immensely proud of its Learning Support Department and the high-quality, compassionate care it provides to our students. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to remove barriers to learning. We ensure that every young person feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed throughout their secondary school journey.
What is SEND?
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. A student is identified as having SEND if they have a learning difficulty or disability that calls for special educational provision to be made for them. These needs generally fall into four broad areas:
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Communication and interaction (e.g., speech and language difficulties, autistic spectrum conditions)
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Cognition and learning (e.g., dyslexia, dyspraxia, moderate learning difficulties)
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Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (e.g., anxiety, ADHD)
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Sensory and/or physical needs (e.g., visual or hearing impairments)
Meet the Team
Our experienced department consists of a dedicated team of specialists:
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Mrs J Fleeman – SENCo
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Miss N Lahiff – Deputy SENCo
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Mrs C Hands – SENCo Assistant
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Mrs N Graham – Admin Assistant
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Mrs R Trodd – Access Arrangements Administrator
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Mr J Brown – Specialist Teacher
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Mrs K Fifield – Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Intervention)
Our Learning Support Area
The Learning Support Department is housed in a purpose-built, welcoming environment within the school. This dedicated Area serves as a safe haven and a hub of productivity for our students. It features quiet zones for focused independent work, specialised sensory intervention rooms, and a well-resourced space where students can access assistive technology. Whether students visit for a scheduled intervention, exam access arrangements, or simply need a calm space during break times, the area provides a nurturing atmosphere where they can always find a helping hand.
We have a dedicated classroom/ICT suite: situated at the top of block 6, this space hosts our Year 7 and 8 Apollo groups. In these small classes, we provide a highly adapted English and Maths curriculum, to help bridge the big jump between primary and secondary school. We make frequent use of information technology e.g. Active Learn in reading sessions, Sparx maths. Because of the small class size, students are able to receive high levels of adult support via a primary-trained class teacher and teaching assistants.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Every breaktime, Teaching Assistants run two clubs (KS3/KS4) for students which provide a supportive and safe space for them to interact with their peers. Students can interact and play games together and support each other in this welcoming environment.
We also run a weekly self study club, on a Monday after school, where students can be supported to complete homework by a Teaching Assistant.
Expanders
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Identification of Need
We are committed to early and accurate identification to ensure students receive the right support at the right time. This is achieved through a robust combination of staff feedback and regular in-school screening. Teachers closely monitor student progress and raise concerns if a child is struggling despite high-quality classroom teaching. Alongside this qualitative feedback, we utilize standardized screening tools to assess literacy, numeracy, and cognitive processing skills. This dual approach ensures no student slips through the net.
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Targeted Interventions
Once a specific need is identified, our department delivers targeted interventions designed to close learning gaps and build independence. Led by our specialist staff, these interventions are tailored to individual profiles and may take place 1-to-1 or in small groups. Programs focus on boosting essential literacy and numeracy skills, developing emotional resilience, improving social communication, and mastering study strategies. We regularly review the impact of these sessions to ensure they meaningfully boost classroom confidence.
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Coordination of Exam Access Arrangements
To ensure equity during formal assessments, our department meticulously coordinates Exam Access Arrangements in strict accordance with Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) regulations. This vital work is overseen by our Access Arrangements Administrator, who collaborates with our Specialist Teacher to assess students for adjustments such as extra time, readers, scribes, or separate room invigilation. These arrangements are based on a student’s normal way of working in the classroom and ensure that no student is unfairly disadvantaged during their exams due to a learning need or disability.
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Understanding Specific Needs & Learning Profiles
To help parents and carers better understand different neurodiverse learning profiles and conditions, we have compiled the following expert medical and educational guidance:
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ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): For information regarding attentional, hyperactive, or impulsive behavioural profiles, explore the NHS Guide to ADHD or see tools from the ADHD Foundation.
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ASC (Autistic Spectrum Condition): To learn about communication, social interaction, and sensory processing profiles, consult the National Autistic Society.
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Dyspraxia / DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder): For insight into how physical coordination, fine motor skills, and organization can be affected, read the NHS Dyspraxia Guide.
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Dyscalculia: Often described as a specific difficulty processing numerical calculations and mathematics, families can find support through the British Dyslexia Association Dyscalculia Hub or The Brain Charity.
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Delayed Processing Speed: To understand how some young people require extra time to take in, respond to, and issue information without it reflecting their overall intelligence, review the Understood.org Guide to Processing Speed.
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External Resources & Local Support
We work closely with local authorities and external bodies to give our families comprehensive care beyond the school gates:
Hampshire SEND Local Offer: For the complete register of health, education, social care, and leisure services available across our county, visit the Hampshire Family Information Services Hub (FISH) or read the core Hampshire County Council SEND Guide.
Hampshire SENDIASS: For free, impartial, and confidential information, advice, and support regarding special educational provision, families can connect with Hampshire SENDIASS.
YoungMinds: For dedicated support regarding children's mental health, emotional wellness, and associated vulnerabilities, access YoungMinds Find Help. [26]
