Hitchin Girls’ School is committed to meeting the additional needs of all learners so that they can fulfil their potential. All students have a right to a broad and balanced curriculum with targeted support as necessary, to enable progression and coherence throughout the Key Stages. The Learning Support department has a dedicated team of staff whose aim is for all students, no matter what their barriers to learning, to enjoy their lessons, feel motivated and have the support required to thrive. The team work collaboratively with the Pastoral staff in order to ensure student wellbeing is at the heart of the support provided. 

           “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified quickly. Staff receive appropriate training              to make adaptations to their teaching and the curriculum as needed. As a result, pupils with SEND are well supported                    and included in the full life of the school.” - Ofsted Inspection Report, October 2024

Whole-School Approach

Hitchin Girls’ School promotes a high-quality teaching approach for all, ensuring that individual needs are met in a collaborative manner by communicating with students, parents/carers and staff to develop provisions. The Learning Support team work closely with teaching staff to support adaptations in the classroom and to help students understand the tools that are available to them. 

Transition to Hitchin Girls’ School

Our commitment to supporting your child begins before they join us in Year 7. The transition team ensure that they visit students in their primary school and obtain information from their Year 6 teacher and SENCO to help build a picture of any support required. Additional visits can be arranged as needed. Parents/carers will have the opportunity to share information and to meet key members of the Learning Support team in the Summer term of Year 6 and the Autumn term of Year 7. If your child has an EHCP, the HGS SENCO should be invited to attend your child’s Year 6 review so that provision can be discussed in preparation for transition.

When students start at Hitchin Girls’ School, they complete baseline testing and have their reading ability assessed. This allows staff to identify key students who would benefit from more bespoke support and intervention to bridge gaps in learning. Any interventions will be communicated to parents/carers.

Sharing Information

In order to support your child effectively, we believe it is important to share appropriate information with teaching staff about any additional needs that might be a barrier to learning. In September each year, staff receive information about the new cohort with specific strategies to help our new students, and this information is developed over time. Pupil Passports are developed as needed, and shared with parents/carers as well as the student. We welcome input on the content of the Passport as we believe a collaborative approach is essential to helping students succeed.

Support in Lessons

In lessons, the Learning Support team might work with small groups of students to check understanding and break down barriers to understanding. Resources might be adapted, or the team might chunk tasks or provide additional scaffolding to help students master skills. Assistive technology is available on student Chromebooks and the team will ensure students have been trained in how to use it effectively. The support provided in lessons varies depending on both student needs and the manner in which each department collaborates with the team to build provision.

Intervention Support

The Learning Support team provide a range of additional interventions alongside the Pastoral and Thrive and Fly (English & Maths intervention) teams. Interventions are based on the current level of school funding and are therefore subject to change - we endeavour to maintain the current provision, but this cannot be guaranteed. Our intervention offer includes:

• Maths and English small-group tutoring
• Social skills groups
• Study skills groups
• Literacy support for students with a dyslexia profile
• Speech and language group work
• Counselling
• Art therapy
• Mentoring through ELSA, Phase, Tune in to ASD and GRIT
• Health and wellbeing coaching
• EAL support

In addition to this, the Learning Support team are key workers for students who need regular support, and can arrange assistance such as a meet-and-greet each morning.

Support in Examinations

The Learning Support department also works closely with the Examinations Officer to ensure that all students with a long-term disability or learning need have fair and equal access to public examinations. Staff will gather evidence of the need for access arrangements through KS3 and testing will take place no earlier than the Summer term of Year 9. Students who have a temporary condition (e.g. medical/injury) are also supported.

Additional Support

The department offers a supportive environment in which to form new friendships at break and lunch with organised activities three days a week, including crafts, quizzes, games and Lego. We also run a lunchtime Homework Club on four days a week.

Liaison with External Agencies

The Learning Support department works closely with a number of outside agencies, such as Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Minority Ethnic Curriculum Support Service, Counsellors, Advisory Teachers, Outreach and Reintegration Support Workers, the Asylum, Refugee and Traveller Team, School Health Advisors, etc. We also work in conjunction with other educational establishments and workplaces. Referral paperwork for assessment will be coordinated by the Learning Support administrator. If you feel your child needs external support, we can provide advice on the pathways for this.