Home - Learning Support Service

Welcome To The Learning Support Service

The Learning Support Service is a team of specialist teachers and teaching assistants dedicated to working with schools and families to support them in meeting the needs of pupils with a range of learning difficulties. During recent years of delegation, virtually 100% of primary schools have chosen to buy into the Learning Support Service and have received:

Support for staff and parents regarding the needs of individual pupils
Support for staff in meeting the requirements of the SEN Code of Practice
Support for SENCOs and other managers in maintaining whole school policies and practices that promote inclusion and meet the needs of pupils with special needs
Training which supports the development of effective practices for working with pupils who have learning difficulties

Vision of the Service

To provide a high quality support service to schools, pupils and their families
To support schools with the process of meeting the needs of pupils who have learning difficulties
To be responsive and flexible in meeting the varying needs of all service users

How schools will benefit from the service

Users of the service are able to have access to a team of experienced and well-qualified staff with a good track record in support. Across the service we have a broad range of skills and experience and continue to develop these to keep schools up to date on all the latest ideas and strategies. Our staff are able to work with children, families, teachers, teaching assistants and managers to help raise attainment, to meet the requirements of the SEN Code of Practice and to support the development of inclusive and innovative practices.

Learning Support Teachers are able to carry out individual assessments of pupil needs or help with larger scale screening exercises. They give practical advice about including all pupils in good quality Wave 1 teaching and about effective interventions at Wave 2 and Wave 3 for pupils requiring additional support. Teachers support the work of the LSS team of Specialist Teaching Assistants, who can deliver short-term intervention programmes to individual pupils or small groups. Often the LSS TAs will work with assistants in school to enable programmes to continue in the longer term.

Training is offered both on a school-based model and centrally delivered. To view the details of the current courses on offer centrally, visit the caponline website (a booklet is also circulated to Sheffield schools in the summer term). You can also discuss your needs for school-based training with your learning support teacher or by contacting the service directly.