Our Specialist Learning Coaches have expert training in working with children with specific learning difficulties. The team works with all school staff to identify and assess students’ needs, plan for these needs and put into appropriate identified strategies.

Specialist Learning Coaches have a range of evidenced based literacy and numeracy resources available and use these tools to support the progress of SEND students, aiming to reduced any gaps in learning. A wide variety of support is put in place depending on the needs of the child. This can range from individual and small group withdrawal sessions, with our specialist Learning Coaches or external professionals.

• Reading comprehension
• Numeracy  
• ELSA (emotional literacy)
• SALT (speech and language therapy)
• Memory and processing development
• Fine Motor Skills
• Regulation support
• Homework club (afterschool)

All students who enter The John Roan are assessed for baseline reading, spelling and complete MiDYAS  testing. This information is used alongside other data to identify students who may require additional support. Intervention sessions are provided to target specific development needs and the progress of each student is monitored closely. Students who do not make progress in light of the interventions are placed on the SEN register and further interventions may be offered. The SEN register is reviewed on a termly basis to ensure that students are moved through the SEN stages of the Code of Practice in an accurate and timely manner. 

We work closely with a range of external agencies who provide specialist support and advice for individual students depending on their needs. These agencies include:

• SALT (Speech and Language Therapy)
• Educational Psychologist
• Paediatrician
• Occupational Therapist
• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)
• Physiotherapist
• Auditory and visual support services
• Local Authority SEN/ Inclusion Team

Head of Centre - Ms Kate Ling

The CFA is a separately funded provision, within the mainstream school, and has a total of 16 places for students with autism across Years 7-11.

CFA students must have a diagnosis of autism (but not necessarily an EHCP). CFA students have the potential to access 50% of their lessons in mainstream and to achieve at the same level as their peers, given the right level of support. CFA students follow individual timetables which reflect their needs. They are taught both in the mainstream and in the CFA. CFA staff deliver the mainstream curriculum. Some mainstream staff come to the DSP to deliver their subject specialism.

The CFA provision is comprised of an Autism friendly classroom and a sensory room. Small breakout spaces are also available when needed by individuals dependant on their needs. The CFA offers a quiet space away from mainstream; skilled staff who are trained in autism; learning support; social and emotional support and access to outside agencies, such as speech and language services.

There are 4 full time members of staff, with additional support from the wider Inclusion Team. All CFA students will have access and support through the whole school Inclusion Team and its resources. In addition to the mainstream curriculum, the team make time for each student’s special interests. The frequent CFA trips incorporate the interests of the students.

The CFA Team encourage all their students to join in with social opportunities in school and facilitate this where necessary. The CFA Team work very closely with families and encourage parents and carers to contact them very regularly.

Parents interested in applying for a CFA place should first consult the SENCo at their child’s primary school and read the information on the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s website to find out about the applications process.

Head of Centre - Ms Kate Ling Email: Kate.Ling@thejohnroanschool.org.u