Upton House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, along with their protection and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Admissions and Special Needs

We are a non-selective school and we welcome all children who can make the most of the opportunities that we offer and can flourish in the caring environment of Upton House School.  Treating every child as an individual is important to use and we welcome pupils with special educational needs, providing that our Learning Support Department can provide them with the support that they require.  We do not however, have the facilities to offer highly specialised and intensive treatment.

We advise parents of children with special educational needs to discuss their child's requirements with Upton House School before he or she visits so that we can make adequate provision for him/her.  Parents should provide a copy of an Educational Psychologist's report and/or medical report to support their request for example for extra time or other special arrangements.

Our Aims

To provide a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum which allows for progression and continuity.

To meet the needs of all children, using the resources and opportunities available to the best advantage.

To provide for the children who have difficulties in learning.

To have regard for the Code of Practice, to make provision with its recommendations in mind, and to promote good practice.

To ensure that the children's needs are identified, systematically assessed and reviewed and that they receive teaching appropriate to thier needs.

To ensure that LDD/SEN children are identified on teachers' planning.

To ensure that Individual Education Plans are prepared by the Head of Learning Support for all children on the Concern Register who are receiving extra lesson.

To recognise the achievements of children who have learning difficulties equally with those who find success easier to attain.

To ensure that there is regular consultation between the Head of Learning Support, class teachers, Heads of Departments and with parents.

To ensure that the Headmistress is regularly updated by the Head of Learning Support.

On Entry

Each pupil with a special educationl need requires special consideration and treatment.  If appropriate, adjustments will need to be put in place.  We will discuss thoroughly with parents and their medical advisers the adjustments that can reasonably be made for their child once they have accepted the offer of a place and before he/she becomes a pupil at the school.

Our Learning Support Department is staffed by a fully qualified dyslexia specialist (RSA Diploma SpLD) who is able to support each pupil with specific learning difficulties in the following areas: dyslexia, dyspraxia, AHDH and Aspergers' Syndrome.  At Upton House School, whilst having regard for the Code of Practice, we have adapted the procedure in order to ensure the earliest possible identification and therefore provision for our children.

Assessment

At Upton House, early identification of children with potential learning difficulties is a priority and each child is closely monitored with the appropriate action being put into place as soon as possible.  The Head of Learning Support is qualified to conduct specialist teacher assessments using:

A. Cognitive Profile

• CoPS
• Digit Span Memory Test - Martin Turner

B. Mental Ability

• British Picture Vocabulary Scale
• Wide Range Intelligence Test (WRIT)

C. Attainment

• Neale Analysis of Reading Ability
• Helen Arkell Spelling Test (HAST)
• Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) 4

D. Numeracy

• Early Mathematics Diagnostic Kit
• Wide Range Maths Achievement Test (WRAT) 4
• Anne Jones - Cracking the Code

Monitoring and Review

We arrange for pupils with identified or suspected learning difficulties to be assessed by an appropriate specialist (paediatrician, psychologist, speech and language therapist, occupational therapist or behavioural optometrist) so that we can identify the areas that require support.  We offer specialist one to one lessons and help with study skills outside the normal curriculum.  We work closely with the child and his/her parents and to help him/her overcome the barriers that his/her difficulties present.

Our Learning Support Department will prepare an Individual Education Plan for each child setting achievable targets.  The child, together with his/her parents and teacher, reviews the plan regularly and the child is encouraged to take ownership of it and to set his/her own targets.

Physical Accessiblity

We recognise that some children with special educational needs may also have physical disabilities.  Parents and prospective parents of disabled children can obtain copies of Upton House's Accessibility Plan and Disability Policy from the school office or website.  This show the ways in which we plan to make out buildings progressively more accessible to disabled pupils, parents and visitors.

Other Adjustments

We are able, depending on need, to arrange for children to use laptop computers in classes, to enlarge font on photocopied sheets, print on coloured paper.

English as an Additional Language

In order to cope with the academic and social demands of Upton House School, pupils must be fluent English speakers.  We may recommend that some children, whose first language at home is not English, receive individual tuition in English as an additional language.

Staff Training

All teaching staff are given regular training on working with disabled pupils.  Our teaching staff receive training on the learning needs of pupils with special education needs and disabilities and have opportunities to exchange ideas for best practice.

Charging Policy

Specialist learning support assessments and lessons are charged as extras at the rate of £34.00 per hour.

Our charge for individual tuition in English as an additional language is £34.00 per hour.

A School Council made up of appointed and elected pupils meet regularly to discuss whole school issues.