Parent Guide to PNPS 2014 | Page 13

         Children work in groups and with partners. This helps to support those who lack confidence and skills. Our days are planned so that children do not have to spend a long time doing the same sort of activity. We have a large variety of reading books so that each child will find the kind of book they enjoy. We have several different reading schemes and have boxes of individual books which go home for homework. Children who need to move around are sent on messages as often as possible. We have ‘snack breaks’ and use stress balls in class. We encourage children who need intensive support to have a facilitator. During assessments, we allow children to have extra time. We also make use of our teacher’s aides to scribe or read the questions for those who need it. Those who need a quieter venue are also catered for. For some assessments, teachers and/or pupils change classrooms to teach this exam “technique”. We teach our children to accept each other, right from the time they start school. Our school is a very busy place and the many events that take place here are aimed at making school a happy and inviting place for all our pupils. LEARNING SUPPORT We have a learning support co-ordinator who coordinates all the learning support needs of our pupils. Should your child be having difficulties, the class teacher will consult her and they will work out support strategies together. We will also organise a meeting with you so that we can work together as a team. Her email address is [email protected].      We have a learning support teacher’s aide, who works specifically with children identified as needing additional specialised support. We have other specialised professionals who work closely with us and our pupils, should pupils need additional individualised support. We have a qualified teacher who offers language support lessons in the afternoons. These are privately arranged between the teacher and the parents. Kumon Maths and Language lessons are available on Monday and Thursday afternoons. We are fortunate to have volunteers from Help2read who come and spend time reading to individual children. Pinelands North Primary School 13