Outwood Academy Valley

Special Education Needs

Valley School Learning Support Department Philosophy of Department Learning Support is about removing the barriers to learning. This includes the development of basic skills, social skills, ensuring that students have access to the curriculum both academically and physically and can experience success. It is about improving student’s self-esteem, overcoming disaffection and behaviour difficulties. It also includes supporting students at times of emotional crises. The Learning Support team identifies and assesses students as early as possible so teaching staff can be informed and intervention strategies put in place. Withdrawal for basic skills development needs to take place. However it is important that students are taught as much as possible with their peers in mainstream classes. The aim of in-class support is to work with teachers to help students access the curriculum and meet the objectives of the lesson. Students are encouraged to become more independent. The relationship between the teaching assistant and teacher is very important. Effective practice is when there is shared commitment to making activities and tasks successful for all students. Learning Support staff get to know the ‘whole’ student. They acquire an understanding of students’ difficulties and provide the security they need. Students are able to talk through their concerns and problems. Learning support staff work with students and parents to develop strategies and achieve targets.

Interpreting catchment maps

The maps show in colour where the pupils at a school came from*. Red = most pupils to Blue = fewest.

Where the map is not coloured we have no record in the previous three years of any pupils being admitted from that location based on the options chosen.

For help and explanation of our catchment maps see: Catchment maps explained