SEND / ALN Provision

Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCO) 

Previously know as SENCO our ALNCO provides assessment and support for students with additional learning needs. The ALNCO will be aware of any students on the Additional Needs Register and will liaise closely and regularly with other members of staff and the appropriate external agencies to ensure that the correct support is in place and is reviewed regularly. They also assess and arrange examination concessions where necessary.

Transition

Support for our students with additional learning needs begins long before they join the Sixth Form through guidance meetings with students, transition meetings with staff in the High Schools and Colleges and addition visits where appropriate. We offer an enhanced transition package for students for whom this will facilitate a smooth transition to Sixth Form life. For some students this transition journey can start as early as Year 10. Our ALNCO is always happy to discuss student needs and support programs with students and their parents/ carers.

Study Support

All students in the Sixth Form will have independent study periods on their timetable during the week. Some students will benefit from targeted support with their studies and this is offered in very small groups by our ALNCO. Results analysis has shown that this is very effective in supporting students to achieve and exceed their target grades at KS5.

Supportive technology

All students have access to the Read write app through their school Google account. This app can support students in many aspects of their studies.

Examination Access Arrangements

Our ALNCO coordinates all examination access arrangements for external examinations for A levels and the IB. Information and evidence is gathered from previous schools regarding previous arrangements which can be continued at KS5. In addition baseline assessments at the start of Year 12 together with teacher feedback are used to identify any student who did not previous have examination access but require this arrangement. Our ALNCO is able to carry out all necessary assessments and complete the reports and applications through JCQ and the IB.

Student Support Room

Some of our students benefit from accessing our Student Support Room which is a small and quiet space. A Learning Support Assistant is available to help these students with both their studies and the social/ emotional and communication aspects of life in the Sixth Form. Access to the room is through agreement with the ALNCO.

Education Mental Health Practitioners (EMHPs)

A team of EMHPs from the Youth Commission work in The Sixth Form Centre to promote and foster a proactive approach to positive mental health and emotional wellbeing throughout our community. They provide targeted assessments, referral, and support for students with poor mental health and/or mental illness, and continually challenge the existing societal stigma and discrimination around mental illness. Team Leaders and Senior Leaders can to make referrals to the EMHPs.

Nurse

The Sixth Form Centre Nurse promotes all aspects of physical and mental health. Students will be given their contact details upon enrolment. These can also be found in our Weekly Bulletin.