From the moment children enter the Pre-Prep in Reception, their starting point and subsequent progress is monitored and particular strengths and weaknesses noted. Members of our specialist Learning Support Department have a link with each class which they visit weekly observing activities and discussing strategies to help children learn more effectively.
Where children need help to master some skills during their Reception Year and Year 1, this is provided through a differentiated curriculum and some small group extra support targeting particular areas such as phonics, numeracy or fine motor skills.
Where difficulties remain by the end of Year 1, and these needs can’t effectively be met in the classroom, a recommendation for some 1:1 support may be made. (An extra charge is made for this from Year 2 onwards). For some children this may be short term support however for others it will be needed throughout their time at the Dragon. Families build close working relationships with the Learning Support teachers who become an integral part of the child’s development.
The Learning Support department also provide help in maths and spelling groups and provide groups and activities for those children who need additional challenge. We are also lucky to have the expertise of an English as an Additional Language Teacher and a Speech and Language Therapist to help those children needing additional support in these areas.
