Welcome to The Neurodiversity and Academic Support Hub (NASH).
The Department changed its name from Learning Support in September 2022, following a consultation with the pupil body. It was changed as a celebration of the fact that there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning and behaving. We all interact with the world around us in different ways.
The student voice is vitally important to the department, and it is the needs of our pupils that drive and motivates us. We want our pupils to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually (whatever their beliefs) and this can best be attained by educating all those who teach them. We raise awareness throughout the school with assemblies, digital displays, neurodiversity posters and parent meetings. Our aim is to foster a community which is supportive, nurturing, respectful and kind, and which celebrates a multilingual and multicultural world.
For pupils with SEND, or who have an identified need, we create Pupil Profiles. These contain tips for teaching staff, and the pupils contribute 3 sections: what they would like their teachers to know about them; what they find difficult; and what teachers could do to support their learning.
It is important to us that we identify any challenges pupils are facing as early as possible. We carry out screening tests for pupils in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12, and EAL students who are new to the school are assessed for EAL-specific needs.
We have an Open-Door policy which allows for pupils, parents and teachers to contact us at any time should they feel they need support.
Within the department, we have a SENDCo who holds an Assessment Practising Certificate, and a member of staff who can assess for Access Arrangements. We have teachers of EAL, and academic support tutors. We work closely with the Academic Deputy Head, Pastoral Deputy Head, Head of Departments, the Pastoral Team and external agencies, to ensure that the support we offer is holistic and tailored appropriately to individual needs.
If you have any questions or you would like further information, please do get in touch by the following contact form: