The Learning Support Department at Audenshaw School aims to provide high quality support to pupils with a range of additional needs. These pupils may have learning difficulties, communication difficulties or physical disabilities. It is the job of the Learning Support Department to help these pupils to overcome these difficulties and to ensure that they can achieve their potential. The Learning Support Department comprises of a dedicated and highly committed team of three teachers and eight teaching assistants. The teaching assistants provide a much needed and invaluable resource for the in-class support of lower ability and special needs pupils. They also run an extremely effective lunch club, every day of the week, which provides a safe and sociable environment for vulnerable pupils and those with social and communication difficulties.
The Department works very closely with subject teachers and outside agencies, whom they use to support their work and offer advice on ways forward, both as a whole school and for individual pupils. The Department aims to ensure that all special needs are met, whether that is in-class, at break and lunchtime, or informally at ad hoc times during the school day. Special Needs pupils in our school know that they can access a helpful, caring and consistent approach from any member of the Learning Support Department. Parents are also central in supporting the measures taken by the school and we welcome their involvement.
The Department offers an ‘open house’ policy, with respect to parents, who are encouraged to make contact if they have concerns.