Latymer's Learning Support Department has grown considerably over the last few years and now has a Head of Department and a Dyslexia Specialist as well as a team of learning support assistants and peripatetic tutors.
The philosophy of the Department is that every individual is unique and the aim is to meet the individual needs of every pupil, both academically and pastorally, in the following ways:
- Screening pupils to identify any potential indication of specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or handwriting issues
- Processing referrals from staff and parents by initial assessment in school and where necessary, by outside referral to specialist practitioners
- When diagnosis is complete, staff are fully briefed on the outcome
- Working with academic and pastoral staff to develop strategies to address the learning differences of individuals in the classroom
- Providing INSED training for staff to enhance their professional development and knowledge of learning differences
- Working closely with parents to provide information and monitor progress
- Managing special access exam arrangements for internal and public exams
For those children seeking entry to Latymer at 11+ who already have diagnosed learning difficulties, extra time in exams and/or the use of a laptop can be considered on receipt of a report by an educational psychologist, prepared within the last two years.
Learning Support Staff