Learning Support Department

The Learning Support Department is led by Jan Jones- the Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO).  Four other teachers work in the department teaching small groups and helping students withdrawn from individual lessons.  They are Mrs P Soul and Mrs C Murphy who are both part-time, Mrs J Harrison (Head of East House) and Mrs A Maher who both also teach English.

Also supporting students with special learning needs is a team of Teaching Assistants who mainly work alongside teachers in mainstream classes, helping students access the full curriculum.  They are Mrs L Chapman, Mrs D Littlehales, Mrs A Bennion, Mrs J Waite, Miss S Whitehouse, Mrs L Parton, Mrs A Bennison, and Mrs G Senior.

Grove has a strong reputation for supporting students with any special learning need and its Learning Support department has both strength and depth in its vastly experienced staff.

The department is also well-equipped with specialist resources and materials that allow students to feel relaxed and secure.  Morning sessions are available to support individuals with reading, number, spelling and typing.  A homework club also runs every lunchtime.

The department is child-centred and the priority is to support children and their families in accessing the support and help they need.  There is regular consultation with external agencies and their advice is always available.

It is a policy to help as many student as possible to be entered for Key Stage 3 SATs and there is a good success level.  Entry for appropriate exams in Year 11 is also encouraged and supported.