INTRODUCTION
Canford supports learning through a whole-school approach, achieving excellent outcomes for all pupils. Our SENCo provides whole-school training on a range of learning differences, helping teachers to identify and respond to the learning challenges that all pupils can encounter, including those with SEND. Support for Learning (SFL) is embedded across Canford’s curriculum. Teachers meet regularly to share good practice across departments and develop awareness of differing needs; all departments offer drop-in ’clinics’ and ad hoc 1:1 support. The Shells (Year 9) participate in the Accelerated Reader and Mindfulness in Schools programmes.
The department is centrally located in the Lovell Building with three adjacent teaching rooms. It is a comfortable, well-equipped space providing a welcoming and purposeful environment.
ASSESSING NEEDS
The more information shared, the better support we can provide. Our Admissions team asks for copies of any assessment reports and exam access arrangement information so that we can ensure a level playing field during the Admissions process. All new pupils complete the computerised Lucid Exact, a comprehensive assessment of literacy skills. Baseline assessment also provides a helpful snapshot of a pupil’s current skills, such as vocabulary, maths, proofreading and speed of working.
Pupils and parents are encouraged to communicate with tutors about their child’s progress in the first instance. Tutors and teachers liaise closely with the Academic Head of Lower School and SFL in monitoring pupil progress, raising concerns and agreeing appropriate interventions.
EXAMINATION ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS
Staff working in SFL hold a current Assessment Practising Certificate (APC) and AMBDA accreditation. The exam boards, who annually update regulations on access arrangements, prefer assessments to be carried out internally by the Support for Learning Team. Parents are advised not to commission private reports without discussion.
ADDITIONAL
SUPPORT
The department currently offers the following additional support to pupils across all year groups:
• ‘Extra’ English instead of a classical language or second MFL for pupils we feel would benefit
• A Learning Skills course instead of a classical language or second MFL for pupils we feel would benefit
• Full assessment of need on receipt of referral, with subsequent Pupil Passport if required
• Fixed duration 1-2-1 support for any pupil on receipt of referral from Tutor, in areas such as study skills, literacy development, managing anxiety and improving attention.
CONTACT SFL
All SFL teachers either have, or are working towards, specialist qualifications in teaching pupils with specific learning differences.
ANDREW FARBRIDGE - Head of Support For Learning
BA Hons (Leicester), MEd (Open University), PGCE, Graduate Diploma in Trauma and Mental Health
Andrew is Canford’s full-time SENCo and one of the in-house specialist teachers and assessors. He teaches Learning Skills and A Level English Literature. He is happy to talk to parents of prospective pupils at any time and may be contacted by email axf@canford.com.
PENNY FRAMPTON - SFL teacher, Shells lead
PAGAN BISHOP - SFL teacher, Sixth Form lead
NAOMI MILES - SFL teacher, Learning Skills lead
PENELOPE TALFOURD-COOK - Specialist Assessor
HANNAH RYAN - Specialist teacher and Assessor
KERRI BASHFORD - Support for Learning Administrator
We are very proud of the top quality outcomes our hard working pupils achieve, enabling them to fulfil their ambitions and future pathways beyond school. We offer a high level of support for all, and bespoke SFL support for those who need it.
“Canford has an inclusive and open culture with tremendous SEN provision sitting alongside resources and teaching expertise of the highest standards. Some of our top pupil achievers academically have been supported by our specialist learning team.
We are a school that expects and inculcates a hard-working approach both inside and outside the classroom, and a place where every individual has the opportunity and support to excel.”
IEUAN WEIR - DEPUTY HEAD ACADEMIC
www.canford.com/academic-excellence/support-for-learning