Learning Development in the Prep School

Introduction

The Learning Development Department works to ensure that every child achieves their potential. Duke of Kent School has an inclusive approach and welcomes a wide range of pupils with varying talents and challenges. We work to boost their self-confidence, to capitalise on and increase their strengths, and to use these to help overcome any areas of weakness.

Central to our approach is the belief that every learner is engaged in a process of developing the skills and habits needed to improve the learning process.

How we work with pupils

Sometimes a learner's challenges get in the way of the learning process to the extent that access to the curriculum is blocked. Blocks can have many causes including a gap in prior learning, an issue with attitude to the subject or topic, or an underlying learning difficulty. Early intervention can make significant difference to both progress and self-belief.

In the Prep School, there is a strong focus on literacy and numeracy support. We work to build confidence and to enable pupils to overcome challenges. Strengthening resilience and developing a positive approach to areas of difficulty are also important aspects of what we do.

Pupils are usually referred to the department by parents or teachers. We work closely with staff and parents to identify the best form of support. Reinforcement of skills is vital and a 'little but often' approach often ensures the best possible progress.

Support strategies can be put in place within classes or can take the form of up to two individual sessions a week to help reinforce key areas of the curriculum. For pupils attending weekly sessions or with identified needs, an individually tailored plan with set targets (an Individual Education Plan) will be devised and regularly reviewed so that staff, parents and the pupil can all work together to achieve set goals. Lessons are charged at an additional cost (currently £22 per session).

If there is a need for more specialist support or guidance, the Department also welcomes visiting professionals such as a Speech and Language Therapist on a weekly basis and can put parents in contact with an Educational Psychologist if external assessment is needed. We have an Occupational Therapist on our team.

We aim to develop teaching styles and flexible strategies to respond to the needs of individual children and we promote an enthusiastic, confidence building and active approach to learning. These approaches enable pupils to discover their own strengths and to build up their confidence so that they are able to reach their full potential. When they move up to Senior School, their experience within the Learning Development Department will have helped them to prepare for the expectations of this new learning environment.