Learning Support at St Clare’s
At St Clare’s, we value the individuality, strengths and potential of every student. We are proud to be an inclusive IB World School that welcomes students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) wherever possible within our admissions criteria, accessibility arrangements, and available staffing and resources.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that all students can thrive when barriers to learning are identified early and the right support is put in place. We work closely with students, families and, where appropriate, external professionals to ensure that each learner is supported to engage fully in college life and achieve their personal and academic goals.
Our inclusive approach
St Clare’s follows the principles of the International Baccalaureate Organisation, promoting inclusion, equity and awareness of varied learning styles. We recognise neurodiversity as a natural part of human difference and aim to create a learning environment where differences are understood, accepted and supported.
Our SEND provision focuses on:
- Early identification of learning needs, including the use of orientation events and arrival assessments.
- A familiar and inclusive classroom environment (aiming for fewer than fifteen students per class and fewer than twelve students per tutor group) allowing teachers and personal tutors to have a strong understanding of every student as an individual.
- Regular monitoring of academic progress and wellbeing, with tri-weekly internal tracking reviews and termly formal assessment windows.
- Drop-in sessions with the learning support coordinator, learning support assessor, nurse and school counsellor available to all students to support wellbeing and guidance to achieve academic excellence.
- Preparation for successful progression to university or future career pathways with an outstanding careers team.
Support is tailored to the individual and may include study skills development, executive function support, individual education plans (IEPs), Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and, where appropriate, inclusive access arrangements for assessments and examinations.
Identifying and supporting students
The leadership team, teachers and personal tutors closely monitor progress and wellbeing throughout each student’s academic journey. SEND is never assumed based on attainment alone; instead, decisions are made collaboratively, taking into account academic progress, social and emotional needs, and the views of the student and their family.
Students with SEND at St Clare’s have an individual educational plan (IEP) which is developed and shared with relevant staff through the Toddle and Teams platforms to ensure consistent support across subjects and to champion best outcomes for our students.
Our pastoral team offers personalised support
We provide a nuturing and supportive learning environment
Contact Becky Allen, Vice Principal (Pastoral)
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