Kennet School

It is widely acknowledged that 20% of pupils need extra help at some stage in their school careers. At Kennet, we have long been clear that attention to the needs of the individual is vital. New pupils arriving in school are carefully screened to ensure that their needs are identified and met. For the majority of children, this means careful negotiation with primary schools and discussions before the child ever arrives at Kennet. We have a well-trained and enthusiastic Special Needs Department, which ensures that the provision for children in difficulty is appropriate. This may manifest itself in work in mainstream classrooms or in small groups withdrawn, though the latter is very rare. We are careful to invest significantly in staffing in the early years of secondary education, to ensure that pupils have appropriate assistance as far as possible in classrooms, alongside their peers. We have the benefit of joint working with others from West Berkshire Education Authority, including an Educational Psychologist. The particular needs of pupils are communicated to staff, pupils and parents, by the use of Individual Education Plans. These plans and Statements are reviewed regularly and the reviews involve all key parties. At parents’ evenings, and at other times of the year, a member of the Special Needs Department is always available should parents require further advice.

Able, gifted and talented pupils are also often considered to have “special needs”. We have invested a great deal of time and effort in identifying our more able pupils in recent years and in providing opportunities and support for their needs. We are delighted that some 140 pupils have already been affiliated by the Government to the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth. We will continue to offer masterclasses and other opportunities, including summer and Easter schools, for pupils across the whole spectrum of ability.