Learning Difficulties and Disabilities, Special Educational Needs and Gifted and Talented

At Caterham School we strive to screen new pupils for learning difficulties and disabilities during the first half term after their entry to the school, as well as acting upon any information passed on by the pupil's previous school. The screening tests highlight those pupils who are gifted and those who have specific learning difficulties.

Pupils who have been assessed as having a learning difficulty and/or disability or those with specific Special Educational Needs have their needs considered individually by qualified specialist staff. Gifted children are provided with opportunities to extend their knowledge in extension work in the classroom or small group activities. The provision for a pupil with a learning difficulty depends on a pupil's need having been formally diagnosed; and may include such help as group support within the classroom. Teaching staff are well informed, have up to date knowledge of effective learning and teaching strategies and are skilled at teaching pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those with particular special educational needs.

Lydia Tapley BA, DipSpLD, AMBDA
Head of Lower School, Head of Special Needs, Teacher of English and French A graduate of the Chatham University, Pittsburgh, USA with a PGCE from the University of London, Lydia is heavily involved in the teaching and pastoral care of the younger pupils within the school. She completed the OCR Diploma in teaching pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties and took on the role of SENCO in September 2005.

We currently provide for the following:

• Aspergers Syndrome - Mild
• Autism - Mild
• Attention Deficit Disorder - Mild
• Attention Deficit /Hyperactivity Disorders - Mild
• Emotional and behavioural difficulties - Mild
• Dyscalculia - Mild
• Dyslexia - Mild
• Dyspraxia - Mild
• Visual Impairment - Mild
• Physical Difficulties - the school has good wheelchair access