Learning difficulties range in their nature and scope. Pupils with cognition and learning needs may have specific, moderate or severe learning difficulties. Profound and multiple learning difficulties occur when a child has complex learning needs as well as a physical disability or sensory impairment.

Common areas of difficulty for a child with cognition and learning needs include:

• Memory
• Attention and focus
• Processing
• Organisation

Dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia are examples of specific learning difficulties. School cannot diagnose a specific learning difficulty. We can monitor for traits of these conditions and identify support needs, whether a child has an official diagnosis or not.

In this area of need, we:

• Assess by observing pupils and monitoring their work, and talking to parents or carers. We use Formative Footprints, the National Curriculum and a range of standardised specialist assessments. If relevant, we refer to Educational Psychology or SSSEN (Derbyshire’s Specialist Service for Special Educational Needs) for further advice and recommendations.
• Set specific targets and plan opportunities for those targets to be met.
• Deliver lessons or intervention programmes, including those advised by external agencies.
• Review progress and plan next steps for each child carefully.

We use signs and symbols from Widgit Online to enhance communication in classroom routines and in learning tasks.

Useful websites:

• Child - British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)
• Dyspraxia in Children – Dyspraxia Foundation
• Dyscalculia - British Dyslexia Association (bdadyslexia.org.uk)