Inclusion and Learning Support at Tring Park School
At Tring Park School, we are committed to being as inclusive as possible within the context of our dual curriculum, which combines specialist vocational training with academic study. We value diversity and aim to support pupils to thrive creatively, academically and personally, wherever this can be achieved within the nature and structure of our provision.
As an independent school, Tring Park School is not approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014. While Local Authorities may name the school in an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), Tring Park School is not legally required to admit pupils named in an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)s and does not operate under the same statutory duties as maintained or Section 41-approved schools.
Our approach to inclusion and learning support is guided by the Independent School Standards, with a clear focus on pupil welfare, safety and access to learning through reasonable and proportionate adjustments. Support is delivered within our staffing model, dual curriculum and specialist performing arts environment, and is shaped by what can be realistically sustained.
Tring Park School is committed to open, transparent dialogue with families and Local Authorities. We work collaboratively to ensure that placement decisions are made in the best interests of the child, balancing aspiration with realism and ensuring clarity for all parties.
Further detail is set out in the Learning Support Policy.
Who receives Learning Support?
We recognise and understand areas of need commonly described within the SEND Code of Practice (2015), including Cognition and learning, Communication and interaction, Social, emotional and mental health, Sensory and physical needs.
These areas help us to understand and respond to pupils’ individual learning profiles. Support is provided in a manner that reflects our independent status, specialist context and available resources.
Admissions decisions are made in line with the school’s published criteria and are considered on an individual basis. Careful account is taken of a pupil’s strengths, needs and the suitability of Tring Park School’s distinctive provision.
How is Learning Support delivered?
Support at Tring Park School is delivered within the framework of our dual curriculum and specialist performing arts environment. Provisions may include: Reasonable and proportionate adjustments within the classroom; Assessment for examination access arrangements (where appropriate); Targeted academic support where feasible; Collaboration between subject teachers, vocational staff, and Learning Support; and Monitoring and review of support strategies.
Access arrangements are assessed and implemented in accordance with the regulations set out by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ). As an examination centre, Tring Park School operates in full compliance with these regulations.
Where appropriate, pupils may receive classroom support from a Learning Support Assistant (LSA). The allocation of LSA support is determined by the SENDCo/Head of Learning Support based on identified need, the pupil’s profile and the school’s available resources. All provision is carefully designed to be sustainable within the school’s staffing structure, curriculum model and specialist environment.
Special Educational Needs
Tring Park School recognises that some pupils may have identified Special Educational Needs or disabilities. Where appropriate and feasible within our provision, we seek to provide reasonable adjustments to support access to learning.
Placement decisions are made carefully, with consideration given to whether the school can realistically meet the pupil’s needs within its distinctive environment and dual curriculum model.
Able, Gifted and Talented
As a specialist performing arts school, Tring Park School works with pupils who demonstrate high levels of aptitude and potential within their vocational discipline. Our dual curriculum is designed to nurture exceptional creative potential alongside academic development. Pupils are supported to extend their strengths through specialist training, performance opportunities and high expectations within both vocational and academic studies.
We recognise that pupils may demonstrate high ability in one or more areas and aim to ensure that teaching and curriculum design enable them to be appropriately challenged and supported. This sits alongside our commitment to supporting individual learning needs across the school.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Pupils whose first language is not English are assessed on arrival to establish their level of English language proficiency and identify any additional support needs. Where appropriate, extra support is provided through timetabled English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons, which are delivered by specialist EAL teachers and charged to parents at an hourly rate.
These lessons aim to develop pupils’ English language skills and communicative ability, build confidence in an English-speaking environment, and support successful access to the wider curriculum. Teaching is typically delivered on a one-to-one basis. Lessons are tailored to the individual needs, ability and language level of each pupil. Most pupils receive between one and two hours of EAL support per week, although additional support may be recommended where language needs are greater.
Pupils may have the opportunity to study IGCSE English as a Second Language in years 10 and 11, where this is considered the most appropriate pathway. Pupils may also prepare for recognised Cambridge English qualifications, with examinations taken at an external centre, ranging from PET through to Cambridge Advanced..
In the Sixth Form, pupils whose English language proficiency is appropriate may prepare for and take IELTS. In some cases, pupils may also study IGCSE English as a Second Language if it is considered a more suitable course than IGCSE English as a First Language.
Find Out More
Clare Morgan-Ellis | Head of Learning Support
If you have any queries about learning support please get in contact.