Learning Support

Learning Support at John Lyon

At John Lyon, each pupil is valued and is expected to access our full curriculum. The Learning Support department aims to ensure that pupils with learning needs are identified early, make the best possible progress and continue to develop self-confidence as well as a positive attitude to academic study. The Learning Support department provides additional help outside lessons to some pupils who have mild learning needs such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. The John Lyon provision doesn’t include Teaching Assistants. Pupils with learning needs make good progress thanks to their strengths, teachers’ awareness of needs and manageable in-class strategies.

Identifying and Supporting

If a pupil has been diagnosed or identified with a learning need, the Learning Support department will work closely with the teachers, parents and pupil to meet the identified needs whenever possible. It is therefore essential for parents to disclose any learning needs/support during the admissions process.

Screening is carried out in Year 7, as well as for all new pupils joining the school in Year 9 and other years.

Depending on needs, Learning Support sessions may be offered on a short-term basis (one to three booster sessions). Parents are informed and encouraged to be active participants in their child’s learning.

Experiencing learning difficulties can lead to low confidence and/or anxiety. This is why the Learning Support department works closely with the pastoral team, the school nurse, the careers advisor and parents. With the right strategies, an open dialogue and commitment, pupils gain confidence, motivation and aspiration.

Access Arrangements (exam arrangements)

It is important to disclose information regarding any history of exam arrangements (such as 25% extra time and use of laptop) as well as all levels of current needs/support to admissions prior to the entrance exams to ensure that pupils have the appropriate arrangements in place. Access arrangements for public exams (GCSE and A-level) will need to be assessed and are monitored/applied for by the qualified assessor in the Learning Support department.

Learning Support and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) are embedded in the school’s ethos to ensure that the teaching and learning, academic achievements, personal development and wellbeing matter for every pupil.