Support for Additional Learning Needs at The Abbey
At The Abbey, we are dedicated to supporting students with a range of additional learning needs. We understand that effective teaching is inclusive teaching, which is why we’ve adopted the ethos: “teaching for SEND, is teaching for all.”
Our entire team is committed to this inclusive vision. All staff are trained in Quality First Teaching (QFT), which helps us ensure every student is supported in the most inclusive and equitable way right in the classroom.
Our staff are also continuously supported through further professional development throughout the academic year. This ensures they have the latest knowledge and opportunities to extend their interests, providing the best possible support for every student.
Empowering Students with Pupil Passports
We use individualised Pupil Passports as a dynamic working document that actively follows the student throughout their academic career. These Passports are a tool that equips all teachers with the techniques and strategies needed to ensure every student can access the curriculum and achieve their full potential.
A core principle of our support is empowering our students. The Passports place a strong focus on the student voice, encouraging them to take ownership of their support and learning journey, a skill that becomes particularly crucial as they transition into the Senior School.
Our Graduated Approach
The Pupil Passports are structured around the Graduated Approach of ‘Assess, Plan, Do, Review’. This systematic process ensures that all student interventions and support are regularly reviewed, updated, and remain highly relevant.
This approach is extremely vital to The Abbey’s commitment to personalised support, guaranteeing that our strategies are always up-to-date and have an ongoing, measurable impact on both social and academic abilities. The passports are written and updated every term in partnership with the form tutors, SENDCo, Assistant Directors/Heads of Departments, parents, and, most importantly, the students.
Current Forms of Support
While the Pupil Passport guides individualised support, our provisions also include:
- Small group or 1:1 reading with specialist staff across the school.
- Pre-teaching sessions with maths specialists prior to upcoming learning to reduce anxiety and build foundational confidence.
- Short, sharp precision teaching designed to develop specific skills and reduce misconceptions quickly.
Further information regarding the support for students with additional needs can be found in The Abbey’s comprehensive SEND policy and the accessibility policy, both available on the website (link).
Additionally, our SENDCo is always happy to discuss any specific questions or needs you may have. Please feel free to reach out via e-mail.
