Learning Support

The Learning Support Department provides personalised assistance for students with a diagnosed learning need and identifies additional students through teacher referrals. Typically, any student who arrives at Lancing without a diagnosis who is requiring further investigation into a specific learning need will have been at the College for at least a term before this process begins. Lancing College learning support staff can conduct cognitive assessments to support staff, students and parents in understanding student learning styles and preferences.

Learning needs are categorised into four key areas:

Cognition and Learning – eg dyslexia
Social Communication – eg autism
Sensory and Physical Needs – eg hearing impairment
Emotional or Medical Needs – eg ADHD

Role of the Learning Support Team

The primary focus of the Learning Support Department is to work closely with teaching and pastoral staff, helping staff understand and accommodate the individual learning styles of students with a diagnosis who are known via the Learning Support Register. The department collaborates directly with students who have a diagnosed need, ensuring that their learning profile is effectively communicated to teachers via a Pupil Passport

If parents or guardians have concerns about a potential learning difficulty, they are encouraged to speak with their child’s Housemaster/Housemistress or Tutor, who will then facilitate a referral.

Learning Support requirements are covered in the Joining Form. Please complete this section with as much detail as possible. This pre-joining information is invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition into College life and assessment and Access Arrangements.

Assessment and Access Arrangements

In accordance with Lancing College’s Access Arrangements, Word Processing, and Special Educational Needs Policies, students who have received Learning Support at previous schools will undergo further screening and educational testing upon arrival and access arrangements for GCSE are confirmed within the first two terms of study.

The Learning Support Form which is completed by parents prior to students joining the school helps the department identify students with a history of additional needs. All students with a Learning Support Form are contacted by the department by the end of their first term. Prior to joining the Third Form, reports and documentation from previous schools are reviewed and requested to build a comprehensive learning profile, ensuring staff understand the best ways to support each student.

Any previous exam access arrangements are carefully reviewed and reassessed in line with JCQ.

Support Provision and Ongoing Monitoring

The Learning Support Department follows a wave model for identifying and allocating support based on diagnostic results and individual needs. Once students have settled into college life, the learning support department will assess the appropriate level of provision. Students at Wave 1 provision access the universal offer available to all students, students at Wave 2 access targeted provision for particular areas of study and students at Wave 3 access specialised support.

All new students with identified learning needs meet with the Learning Support team within their first term at Lancing and receive 12 sessions of learning support. During the first 12 weeks the Learning Support department will ensure new students receive the guidance and assistance they require in line with their diagnosis of need.