To support the development of all aspects of literacy and mathematics at Fred Nicholson School, we deliver a range of intervention programmes.  We also work to understand and support our individual pupils’ emotional needs and adopt the ELSA programme as part of our overall Interventions Programme.

Acceleread/Write

A multi-sensory intervention programme based on repetition. This programme is particularly helpful for those with difficulties retaining information, supporting both visual and auditory memory. It is highly structured and is tailored to individual needs

A.R.R.O.W

A.R.R.O.W (Aural, Read, Respond, Oral, Write) is a multi-sensory teaching programme using the learner’s record ‘self-voice’ as the teaching tool. 
It is suitable for a range of learners including dyslexic pupils, those with Speech, Language and Communication difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorders and auditory processing difficulties.
It is an individual approach and use a recording of the learner’s voice reading text which is then played back and written down by the learner. 

Catch Up

The Catch Up programme is a reading intervention programme designed to support those pupils with gaps in their learning. The programme is highly structured and allows for identification of the learner’s weaknesses, building in support at the relevant level.

Sound Discovery

This intervention programme uses a synthetic phonics approach. It was developed to support ‘slow-to-start’ and dyslexic learners and is delivered in a small group of 2-4 pupils to practise blending (building up) and segmenting (breaking down) words into their individual phonemes. 

Individualised Maths Support

Pupils are seen on a one to one or small group basis at least twice a week for up 30 minutes. Identified pupils are seen throughout the academic year. These sessions are tailored to the individual so vary greatly in the content of the session. Areas for development are identified based on progress data and a standardised maths assessment.
Pupils may be identified for individualised support as an extension for gifted and talented pupils, for pupils struggling with progress or confidence in the subject or for pupils with specific gaps in knowledge. 

E.L.S.A

At Fred Nicholson School we are committed to creating a learning environment where each pupil can reach his or her full potential.

The ELSA programme addresses our pupils’ emotional well being and so enabling them to access learning. 
ELSAs are Emotional Literacy Support Assistants. They are teaching assistants who have had special training from educational psychologists to support the emotional development of children and young people in school. ELSAs have regular professional supervision from educational psychologists to help them in their work.
ELSAs help children and young people learn to understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. They provide the time and space for pupils to think about their personal circumstances and how they manage them.
The ELSA programme was designed to build the capacity of schools to support the emotional needs of their pupils from within their own resources. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.
Most ELSA programmes will last for 6 to 12 weeks, helping the pupil to learn some specific new skills or coping strategies.
You can find out more about ELSAs at www.elsanetwork.org