Learning Support

The Learning Support Department at OBH caters for the needs of a range of pupils, be they scholars (Gifted and Talented), foreign students (EAL) or students experiencing a specific difficulty such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia.

Support which may begin in Pre-Prep will continue to meet a child’s needs through the middle and upper years of the school as appropriate. We believe that the most important thing we can do is raise a child’s self esteem and confidence so that, by the time they leave OBH they feel able to hold their head high and are ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Identification of need

We identify as early as possible children who have specific needs.
This is achieved by:

Liaison with previous schools and foreign student agencies

Screening tests: Pupils are regularly assessed to determine their level of ability, progress and any underlying difficulties they might be experiencing that prevents them from achieving their potential. Tests include;

ASPECTS (Assessment for Early Years Children and Toddlers) - Nursery

Incas (Interactive Computerised Assessment System) designed as a diagnostic tool for teachers and feedback on a child’s progress.

MIST (Middle Infant Screening Test) Yr 1-3

CAT (Cogitative Abilities Test) Yr 4-7

Word chains Yr 1-2

Suffolk Reading Analysis Yrs 3-7

Schonell Spelling Yr 1-7

Close links with Nursery and Pre-Prep

Careful monitoring by class teacher

Annual assessments using nationally standardised tests for cognitive abilities and reading. (Cognitive Abilities Tests and Suffolk Reading Scale)

Assessment for specific learning difficulties of pupils referred to the department.