Student Support

Our SEND department is led by Mrs Morris. We work with students to support their learning needs to enable them to be able to make progress. The team based in the Student Support Centre work with students individually, in small groups and support some lessons. Students with SEND have benefitted significantly from this support and has enabled them to make good progress, which is significantly above national averages for students with SEND.

Ofsted cited that, “Pupils with educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Those with an educational, health care plan benefit from having a key worker who advocates for them. ‘Pupil Passports’ outline pupils’ short-term targets. These guide any support and adaptations to teaching that pupils need and are implemented effectively. Well-trained teaching assistants know how to adjust their level of support for pupils. This ensures pupils with SEND understand what to do before working independently.”

If you have specific questions about the SEND provision in school, please contact Mrs Morris via email on senco@richardhale.co.uk  and one of our SSC team will be in touch.

Our Student Support Centre team

Mrs Morris

Head of Student Support Centre and SENCo/Assistant Headteacher

Mrs Reeves

Student Support Centre Officer

Mr Rayfield

Intervention Teacher

Mrs Whitehead

HLTA Intervention Coordinator for SEMH

Miss Pegram

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mr Deacon

Teaching Assistant

Mr Cunningham

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Toms

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Miss Soanes

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Dupplaw

Teaching Assistant

Mr Welgama

Teaching Assistant

To view a copy of the SEN Information Report 2024, please click on the link here.

To view a copy of the SSC Parent Resource leaflet, please click on the link here.

To view services and training provided by SEND specialists in your local area click on the link here. 

Please click this link for further information on SEND and family support from Hertfordshire County Council

SEN Information

Dyslexia

Click here for information on supporting students with Dyslexia and literacy difficulties at Richard Hale School.

Dyslexia Assessments

At Richard Hale School we do not carry out any diagnostic assessments (i.e we do not assess any student to see if they have dyslexia or not).  However, in most cases a diagnosis is not required in order to access support.  If you are concerned about dyslexia and considering assessment for your child, please make contact with our SENCo to discuss.

Please be aware that private assessments where we have not been involved, cannot provide evidence for exam access arrangements as per JCQ guidelines:

A privately commissioned assessment, where the centre has not been involved, cannot be used to award access arrangements and cannot be used to process an application using Access arrangements online. This would be where the assessor has not contacted the centre, has not liaised with the centre, has not been approved by the head of centre and has not received a completed Part 1 of Form 8 from the SENCo. (JCQ section 7.3.6)

For touch typing practice, please click this link https://www.typedojo.com/

Specific Learning Difficulties/Disabilities

Exam Access Arrangements

Access Arrangements for external exams are finalised when a student reaches KS4 (Y9-11) and then again in KS5 (Y12-13). This means the arrangements are in place for when the student sits GCSE or BTEC/A Level examinations. Prior to this, evidence is gathered in school to inform the application process, in line with JCQ regulations. Richard Hale recognises that students may have received arrangements at KS2, e.g. extra time. However, requirements for external exams at the end of KS4 and KS5 are much more stringent. Any arrangements from KS2 will be reviewed during KS3 as we recognise individual needs are very likely to change during this time.

If it is decided that a student requires an Access Arrangement, teachers will be asked to put this in place where possible and practical. It will not be possible for students to receive all Access Arrangements for all internal assessments. This does not mean that we are unable to evidence need when it comes to applications in KS4. We will endeavour to put appropriate arrangements in place for end of year or whole year group exams.

Local Support