Student Support Centre

Student Support Centre Overview

Although the SSC can be accessed and used by a whole range of pupils within the school, all with a varying range of needs, our main objective is to offer a nurturing environment whilst supporting and raising literacy and communication skills in our Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) and Special Educational Needs (SEN) students. This makes up an essential part of the scaffold which allows them to not only access a mainstream school and remove the barriers to their learning but, most importantly, fulfil their personal potential.  This support comes at a variety of levels which is individual and specific to each of the pupils needs.

Any support within the SSC is delivered either on a one to one basis with a member of staff or in a small group setting. Moreover, the removal from some lessons to be taught in a quieter more nurturing environment impacts immensely on the pupil’s ability to remain focused and on task during their mainstream lessons.

In addition, the SSC is open at lunchtime and offers a quiet sanctuary away from the rest of the school for those students who may need that social provision.

Student Support Centre Breakfast Club

We have recently set up an SSC Breakfast Club which aims to offer a nutritious start to the school day, not exclusively but initially for identified pupils. Qualifying identified pupils are either pupils on the SEN register or pupils who noticeably arrive at school way before the necessary arrival time. Letters are sent home to identified pupils offering the service, although there is no expectation to attend. This is a free service and funded by Kelloggs breakfast grants.

The club is ran by the Student Support Centre Manager Mr Greener, Mrs Hayward and Mr Downey in the Student Support Centre Monday – Friday from 7.30 am – 8.30 am.

Wanderers Sports Association

In keeping with the school’s sports specialism, as a department we also participate in Wanderer’s Sports Association events across the north east. The Wanderer’s Sports Association is a voluntary organisation providing sporting opportunities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.  A variety of sporting events are arranged with support from regional schools, which encourage engagement, participation and achievement and brings pupils together from across the North East.

The aim of the association is to help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities discover the pleasures of being involved in sport, from the enjoyment of learning new skills, to on-going social involvement and friendship.

This is an invaluable part of SEN pupil development. As well as the obvious physical aspects and the health benefits it brings, the Wanderers has also helped holistically with the social, emotional and mental aspect of students, allowing them to compete against like-minded students of similar abilities. Around 70 sporting opportunities are taken up each academic year, mainly made up of SEN pupils who would not previously have participated in physical activities.