We recognise that a significant number of children might have special educational needs at some time during their school lives. This might be the result of general learning difficulties, specific problems or the need to be able to make full use of a specific ability. Sometimes learning problems can be lengthy and complicated and in other cases they can be overcome in a short period of time, through individual help and guidance.

It is Alban’s policy that all children have full access to the curriculum and that every child is encouraged to achieve the best possible standards. We aim to ensure that our schemes of work, teaching methods, learning opportunities and learning materials are sufficiently extensive and varied to meet the range and complexity of individual needs.

The school has a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, who not only works directly with some children, but also provides advice for teaching colleagues and Teaching Assistants on how best to meet the requirements of children with specific learning needs.

When children experience significant learning difficulties they might require extra teaching support within the classroom or need to be withdrawn, either individually or in small groups to be with one of our Teaching Assistants. The children receive more intensive help and guidance specific to their individual needs and may also receive an individual programme of work to help meet those needs. There are close links with the Learning Support Service, Social, Emotional, Behavioural, Support Service and Service for Sensory Impairment and Communication Difficulties who can provide further specialist support.

The length of time the children receive additional support depends upon the individual difficulties and progress. Parents are strongly encouraged to support their children and it is intended that some work will be undertaken at home, with parental help, in order to facilitate progress.

As well as meeting the needs of children who experience difficulties in learning, Alban also endeavours to provide for the more able child, catering for their particular abilities or talents through both differentiated work and additional activities. In the same way as there is no such person as a typical pupil, there is no such person as a typical ‘gifted’ or ‘talented’ pupil. However, such a pupil is one who demonstrates a significantly higher level of ability than most pupils of the same age in one or more areas. Gifted and Talented pupils include those who show achievement or potential ability in a wide range of contexts, e.g. creative, artistic, physical, general intellectual, specific academic, leadership, team membership.

In addition to the provision within the school, Alban seeks to support Gifted and Talented pupils through activities which further enhance and enrich their experience. These may be events organised through the school, involvement in local and national competitions or activities organised by such groups as the Children’s University and Frontiers’ Club.