Learning Support at Windsor concentrates on the individual needs of youngsters. Support is based on the notion
that learning occurs in context rather than in isolation – our support is therefore focused wherever possible
in the classroom supporting the youngster, the curriculum and the teacher.
We operate with a large team of Teaching Assistants (TAs) acting as a link between the support hub, the youngster
and faculties. Learning Support operates under the leadership of a SENCO (who is also a member of the Leadership
Team), Deputy SENCO and an Assistant SENCO.
Before youngsters arrive at Windsor we have usually been involved with the SEN cohort, their teachers and their
parents for some considerable time. Once at Windsor we embark upon a battery of tests in the first 4 weeks looking
at basic skills acquisition.
The information gleaned from these tests is used alongside KS2 information and advice from teachers to form 2 parallel
groups of approximately 12 youngsters who will form our ALPS (Accelerated Literacy Programme) and AMPS (Accelerated
Maths Programme) in year 7. These groups exist for over 50% of the youngster’s year 7 timetable – providing support
and guidance alongside a specialist curriculum.
The Learning Support faculty also provide a wide variety of out of hours clubs which run before school (with breakfast),
after school and at lunchtime. The clubs are well attended and stretch from the basic homework support to jujitsu
and art amongst many other diverse activities.
In KS4 specific courses are available within the school curriculum. We offer BTEC qualifications in Work Skills
and Vocational Studies. Access support with module assessments and examinations is also available to a large group
of our youngsters.
Extra curricular activities form a major part of our programme. In year 7, the youngsters under the Learning
Support umbrella partake in a week’s residential experience and in KS4 we undertake outdoor learning programmes
(as part of the curriculum) which often lead to additional qualifications. The focus of these programmes is self
esteem, self belief and leadership.