Part of the Bellevue family

Learning Support

Helping and encouraging all children to reach their full potential lies at the heart of Forest Preparatory School’s mission, which is why our Supported Learning Department is so important to us.

Led by our experienced SENCO, Mrs Mulholland, who is trained in a variety of specific learning difficulties, including ADHD and autism, and is a certified Dyslexia Specialist Practitioner, we provide targeted support to children who need it most.

Support sessions take place in our calm, quiet, distraction-free Learning Support Classroom, designed to foster concentration and comfort. The room features vibrant, child-friendly displays that serve as helpful visual aids for spelling, phonics, and independent learning.

Our approach to identifying and addressing learning needs is collaborative. Mrs Mulholland works closely with class teachers to assess and observe students who may benefit from additional support. Together, they create a plan using the APDR (Assess, Plan, Do, Review) cycle, ensuring that teaching is tailored to each child’s specific needs and helping them achieve their full learning potential.

Our Approach to Supported Learning

Our Supported Learning looks at each child as an individual, recognising both their strengths and the challenges they may face. Once a child’s learning gaps are identified, the class teacher, in collaboration with the SENCO, develops an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) to guide their progress. This plan is shared with teaching assistants and parents, creating a unified approach. SMART targets ensure that goals are achievable and progress is monitored, but ultimately the child is progressing and being academically stretched.   Regular meetings between the class teacher and SENCO help to review and refine these targets, keeping the child on track.

How Much Support Does Each Child Receive?

Every child receives support in the classroom from both the class teacher and a teaching assistant. In addition, children can receive further individualised or small-group intervention from the SENCO in scheduled sessions within the Supported Learning Department.

Teaching Strategies in Learning Support

We employ a multisensory approach to learning, engaging the visual, auditory, verbal, and tactile senses simultaneously. This, combined with repetition and overlearning, helps to build and reinforce neural pathways, enhancing learning retention.

What Resources/Programmes are Used to Aid Learning in Supported Learning?

The resources and programmes we use are tailored to each child’s specific needs. We incorporate a wide range of tools such as the Alpha to Omega program, Conquering Literacy, Beat Dyslexia, Stride Ahead, Nessy Reading, and more. We also use hands-on materials like board games, Lego bricks, coloured overlays, playdough, magnetic and foam letters, Chromebooks, and Ace dictionaries to make learning interactive and fun.

Communication with Parents

Parents have full access to their child’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and each student has a Learning Support book to take home for additional practice. Mrs. Mulholland maintains an open-door policy, encouraging parents to discuss any concerns or receive updates on their child’s progress at any time.

We believe that with the right support, every child can succeed.

Latest News

Stay up to date with all of the important events, achievements and announcements from Forest Prep School.
Read More
"I am continuously impressed with my son’s academic and social development. The progress he's made in a short space of time is impressive and a credit to the quality and consistency of teaching and pastoral care." Current Parent
"It is hard to imagine walking in to the grounds of a more vibrant and happy school. Even before meeting any of the staff or children, there is a warmth to the atmosphere that exudes contentment, safety and success." Current Parent