COGNITION AND LEARNING

Cognition and Learning Needs

We offer a range of programmes to help support children’s development across the curriculum and particularly in Maths and English. These are measurable programmes to develop skills and understanding in reading, writing, spelling and maths.

We are a Wandsworth Dyslexia Friendly school with highly trained staff who support children with dyslexia using specific and focused programmes.

Literacy Support Programmes

Children with literacy difficulties will be offered small group or individual sessions that may focus on phonics, spelling, writing and/ or reading. These programmes include: Keep Up - Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, Catch Up Reading, Yellow Box Reading Comprehension, Reading Lab Comprehension, Reading for Understanding, Lifeboat Reading and Spelling, A Hand for Spelling, Toe by Toe Phonics, and Phonics Groups. We are also extremely well supported by The Literacy and Numeracy Support Service, Learn to Love to Read, and Reading Volunteers.

Dyslexia

One in ten children may experience some degree of dyslexia, ranging from very mild to severe. The British Dyslexia Association defined dyslexia as:

‘Dyslexia is a learning difference, a combination of strengths and weaknesses which affect the learning process in reading, spelling, writing and sometimes numeracy.’

Link for: British Dyslexia Association

As a part of our dyslexia friendly approach at St Michael’s, we recognise that children with dyslexia are more likely to experience difficulties with self – esteem and emotional well-being than their peers.  This may also impact on their learning.

At St Michael’s, senior leaders and governors are committed to supporting children with dyslexia across the curriculum. All staff receive training aimed at developing their expertise and understanding of dyslexia. It is the teacher’s responsibility to recognise the signs of dyslexia and liaise with the Inclusion team. Parents and carers are invited to discuss provision maps and progress termly at Inclusion parent meetings. Parental views are considered an important part of planning and provision. Please click on the following link for further information and support:

Link for: Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre

Award Celebration

We have been awarded the Wandsworth Dyslexia Friendly School Award in October 2018, for the 2nd consecutive time. The school was recognised and highly commended for the excellent work it does to support pupils with dyslexia. We are delighted with this outcome and the recognition given to the school who work in partnership with parents to support pupils. 

Maths Support Programmes

Children with difficulties in Maths are given small group or individual support tailored to their needs and complimenting our Maths Mastery approach to learning. Children work towards specific maths targets to support their learning, as well as other tailored resources and maths games.

Literacy and Numeracy Support Service

We work closely with the Literacy Support Service for specific children. A specialist teacher is supplied to us who provides teaching to our pupils who have an additional literacy and/or numeracy need. The teachers also provide us with advice and consultation, assessment and reports for our teachers along with in-service training in the area of either literacy or mathematics.