Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

St Mary and St Michael Catholic Primary School is committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for all learners, in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our school is rooted in the Gospel values of love, compassion, and justice, recognising that each learner, regardless of their individual needs, is a valued member of our school community.

We are dedicated to identifying and addressing the diverse learning needs of our learners, ensuring equitable access to a high-quality education that enables them to reach their full potential, spiritually, academically, and socially. We strive to create a culture of understanding and acceptance, where differences are celebrated, and all learners feel supported and empowered to participate fully in the life of our school, fostering a community that truly reflects the inclusive love of Christ.

Intent

Our Catholic school, guided by the Gospel values of love, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every individual, is committed to providing a fully inclusive education for all children, including those with Additional Learning Needs. We intend to create a nurturing and supportive environment where every child, as a unique creation of God, can flourish spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. We aim to identify and address individual needs through a holistic approach, ensuring access to a broad and balanced curriculum, tailored to their abilities and aspirations. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers to learning and participation, enabling every child to reach their full potential, and to experience the joy of learning within a faith-filled community. We will work in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure that every learner with ALN is valued, supported, and empowered to live a fulfilling life, in accordance with the teachings of Christ.

Meet the Team

At St Mary and St Michael, we are proud to have a dedicated team committed to supporting you and your child throughout their school journey. Our Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo), Mrs Mercer, plays a key role in ensuring the successful implementation of the school's ALN policy on a day-to-day basis. Working in close collaboration with the headteacher, senior leadership team, and wider staff, Mrs Mercer is also actively involved in shaping the strategic direction of our ALN provision to ensure every learner receives the support they need to thrive.

We have our Literacy Intervention Specialist, Mrs Brehaut, who may work with your child on a one-to-one basis or within a small group. If your child if working with Mrs Brehaut, you will be informed, and Mrs Brehaut may be in contact with you via Class Dojo.

We also have a Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), Mrs Partington, who is a trained school-based LSA who provides emotional support to pupils, helping them develop emotional literacy and coping skills. In addition to this role, Mrs Partington also delivers speech and language interventions for children who may experience communication and interaction difficulties. If your child is working with her, you will be informed either by the ALNCo or your child’s class teacher.

The ALN Policy 

Our Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Policy has been developed in line with the Additional Learning Needs Code of Practice and thoughtfully reflects the values of St Mary and St Michael Catholic Primary School. We encourage you to read the policy to learn more about how we support and manage ALN provision throughout our school community.

ALN Information for Parents and Carers