Special Educational Needs

The term ‘Special Educational Needs’ (SEN) encompasses those children who find academic work more challenging, as well as children who might be identified as ‘Gifted or Talented’ in certain areas of the curriculum. There are, of course, individuals who need support in some academic areas but are gifted and talented in others.

SEN at Kew House School is Learning Support (LS)

Our LS department monitors intervention programs. We always work case by case when thinking about specific learning needs. Kew House School believes in the variety of aptitude and we accept children that are academic, non-academic, sporty, scientific, technical, musical and creative. We seek a range of aptitudes to enrich the school’s diversity and the differing academic needs of our pupils are well catered for. 

How are individuals identified?

As a department, we work by observing children first, then deciding what interventions they might need; we never assume. We will study educational psychology reports if a pupil arrives with one, or recommend one is done if needed. Class sizes are typically a maximum of 22 and often the classes for the learners who need additional support are of 8-10.

Our SEN Coordinators (SENCo) have experience working with children who have dyspraxia, dyslexia, autism, ADHD, working memory difficulties and dyscalculia. They are qualified specialist assessors which means they are able to assess pupils going into their GCSEs who may need specific exam access arrangements. Often the small class sizes and carefully differentiated curriculum at Kew House is sufficient provision for children with mild learning needs. All members of the teaching staff are knowledgeable and well qualified to teach children who learn in different ways. Students who are gifted or talented are identified through subject specific teachers and are enriched and stretched both within the classroom and through external opportunities.

What do I need to do before I apply?

Before you apply to Kew House School, it is recommended that you attend an open day and experience a tour of the school. It is not necessary to meet with the SENCo at this point. At the point of registration, please ensure that you attach all supporting documentation such as recent educational psychologist’s reports or EHCPs with your application. Only once your child has a place at Kew House will it be possible to meet with the SEN team. As part of the registration process, the school will make an assessment of needs and available support. The SENCo may advise that the school is not the appropriate setting for a potential pupil and this may be based on both the support for the child and the existing needs of the current school pupil community. In such cases, the Headmaster will communicate, as timely as possible, directly to the parent(s).

Ongoing support

Students may develop special needs at any time in the educational process. These may be cognitive, physical or emotional. Kew House School’s Learning Support department works closely with pastoral care and tutorial staff to identify needs at an early stage and provide the support required to enable each pupil to thrive within the curriculum. Teachers trained in SEN work with pupils internally, but, where appropriate, parents may be referred to external agencies for further support.