Differently-abled children, Norwood and the Pears Special Resource Provision
What is the demand for autistic spectrum services?
The number of children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders has risen considerably over the past decades and there are insufficient specialist school places to meet the needs of these children. Barnet has identified a serious shortfall in its current provision.
Do you take only Jewish children in the Pears Special Resource Provision?
The admissions policy for the Pears Special Resource Provision (PSRP) is different from that for the mainstream school. The admissions authority for the PSRP is Barnet Local Authority and not JCoSS. Priority is given to those children whose special needs are best served by the service we can offer, as set out in their statement of special needs.
Has the Pears Special Resource Provision started by taking only 11 year olds?
The Pears Special Resource Provision has taken pupils in line with the opening of the mainstream school – i.e. starting with 11 year olds in the first year – so that the students in the PSRP can be integrated with same-aged students in the mainstream school, where appropriate.
To what extent is teaching integrated?
Each student in the Pears Special Resource Provision (PSRP) has different needs and these are met on an individualised basis with an Individual Learning Plan. Integration of teaching and other school activities are undertaken where it is appropriate and helpful to both the students in the PSRP and the mainstream school. Areas include: music, art, sports, religious activities, etc. We have the capacity to provide both integrated and separated, specialist education.
Do you offer residential care at JCoSS?
No – most of the children live within easy travelling distance and it is not felt to be appropriate to provide a residential service.
How do you deal with exceptionally gifted children?
JCoSS aim is to meet the needs of all children to help them recognize their full potential. Please click here to read our Gifted and Talented policy.
Does the need to cater for children with special educational needs, damage the opportunities for children in the mainstream?
Actually, the latest research by OFSTED shows that both mainstream children and children with special educational needs benefit when educated side by side, so long as the process is properly resourced, which JCoSS is.
My child is particularly gifted - what are you doing for them?
JCoSS has a policy for gifted and talented children. It includes: • Accelerated setting, particularly in Languages and Mathematics; • The opportunity to take exams early when appropriate, most notably in Science, Ivrit and Mathematics; • Extension activities, such as studying statistics or further Maths; • Enrichment activities, such as the opportunity to mentor primary school children; • Registration and activities with NAGTY (National Association of Gifted and Talented Youth).
How do you decide which children get into the gifted and talented programme?
The term ‘gifted and talented' refers to approximately 10% of each year. Gifted and talented students are identified by a combination of teacher observation and reporting. JCoSS's programme is designed to stretch and support students who display a potential to exhibit exceptional performance in one or more areas of endeavour and in expressive arts.
Do you have an accelerated stream for gifted and talented children?
We use accelerated ‘setting' in those subjects where the research shows that this can be of benefit, such as languages and maths.