Individual Learning Centre

The ILC is seen as an integral part of the community as it has open access to support for pupils, staff and parents. Although the majority of the pupils receiving regular support are taught because this has been recommended by an educational psychologist, we also screen new pupils for their reading and spelling ages.

As a result some pupils, particularly in Year 7 are taken in a group to support their spelling. Where appropriate pupils may be identified for further assessment and then referred to an educational psychologist. The school funds group tuition and short term support. Raising awareness of individual needs is part of the ethos at Leighton Park.

• The Individual Learning Centre shares the aims of the school.

• It recognises the individual strengths and needs of each pupil. 

• It aims to promote self – esteem and confidence, enabling each pupil to fulfil his or her potential.

• It provide that which is in addition to, or otherwise different from, the provision generally made for children of the same age. 

Admissions Procedure 

The School’s admission procedure for pupils with learning differences is the same as for all pupils.

The Special Needs Co-Ordinator is consulted by the Headteacher for an opinion on a pupil’s suitability for possible admission if there is any indication of learning differences.  Parents are asked for an Educational Psychologist’s report and reports from Specialist teachers who have previously been involved with support for the pupil.  Extra time may be given to these pupils for some of their entrance tests.

The number of pupils who are receiving support in the Individual Learning Centre in any academic year has to be taken into consideration, when a decision is made about the admission of new pupils who may have learning differences.

Tuition

• In general pupils receive specialist tuition once a week. This will however depend on the pupil’s individual needs.

• Teaching may be done individually or in a small group. Pupils in the middle school usually have one individual lesson a week. Pupils in Year 7 and 8, usually have one individual lesson and one group lesson per fortnight.

• Pupils are withdrawn from class lessons but they are generally taken from non-examination subjects. Pupils have input into which lessons they would prefer to miss. In Years 10 and 11 pupils may come for their lessons during part of the lunch break.

• Spelling groups are given for those pupils who have been identified in the screening tests or have been referred by their English teachers. This is usually for Years 7 and 8.