“Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” - Rita Pierson
Biddenham is a proudly inclusive school with a diverse student population. Our department mission is to support all students to be confident and independent young people who are fully accepting of their strengths and challenges; to have an awareness and understanding of what strategies work for them; and to be ready to move into adulthood.
Our aim as a school is to provide high-quality lessons that take into account the diverse needs of our students. However, we recognise that some students will struggle to access parts of the curriculum for different reasons at different times, and will require and receive additional support during their journey through the school. Difficulties may include problems with literacy, numeracy, study skills, and personal organisation. Students may experience a wide range of medical conditions or personal home circumstances, and a variety of personalised support is available wherever appropriate. Learning Support is here to provide that extra help and to help students develop the confidence and the skills to ensure that they all can thrive using their unique talents.
Our teaching assistants (TAs) are timetabled predominantly to support students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP); we are, however, a ‘needs-led’ school and support is offered where it is required. A student can be supported by a number of different teaching assistants, although a student with an EHCP will have an allocated ‘Link TA’ who will have an overview of their progress and will strive to create a supportive relationship with the student and their family.
As well as the curriculum support offered in lessons, our teaching assistants offer a programme of booster sessions for any students referred for additional support, whether that is for personal skills, learning skills, or physical skills. They also offer support for all students after school, in a daily homework club. Social support is available at breaks and lunches for students who need it and we have a dedicated space called The Hub for this purpose.
For further information please use the links below.