We aim to meet the needs of all of our pupils in the classroom, through setting, differentiation and excellent staff-pupil ratios.
However, for approximately 20% of our pupils, at any one time, this is not sufficient to meet their learning or emotional needs. To provide additional support, be it short or long term, we have an Individual Needs (IN) Department.
The IN Department consists of a specialist teacher, special needs assistants and academic mentors, led by the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo).
The SENCo provides regular training to all our teachers to enable them to continuously improve their whole-class teaching methods, which benefit all pupils including those who are neurodiverse.
Please click on the download below to read through our 'Local Offer' which should answer most of the questions you may have about the individual needs provision at Westbourne House. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Mrs Sharon Morton, our SENCo by email: smorton@westbournehouse.org.
Sharon Morton, SENCo
Dyslexia Friendly Kitemark School
Westbourne House School is a Dyslexia Kitemark School. In June 2025, we were accredited by the British Dyslexia Association after a two-year programme of training.
"I am thrilled that the hard work of not only our Individual Needs Department, but all teaching staff, has been recognised as good practice for pupils with dyslexia. And good practice for neurodiverse pupils is good practice for all pupils."
Sharon Morton, Head of Individual Needs
The British Dyslexic Association acknowledged Westbourne House's approach: “What you are doing will be making a significant difference to the lives of the young people in your care.”
Mrs Morton added: “It is always our aim that those children with any form of neurodiversity are accepted and included in day-to-day school life and this report states that our ‘Learners do not feel different’ and staff work to ‘cultivate an ethos of inclusivity.’”
"The IN department has embedded Quality First Teaching practice throughout the school for the pupils under the IN umbrella and all pupils at this school. Quality First Teaching is a style of teaching that emphasises high quality, inclusive teaching for all pupils in a class. Quality First Teaching includes all the adaptations being made for individuals including support and stretch."
Barbara Langford, Deputy Head - Academic
Yes. We support all children with Quality First Teaching. For children with greater needs, we offer one-to-one lessons, emotional support, in-class support, drop in sessions to discuss worries, and Lego therapy, which promotes social skills and emotional wellbeing.
Westbourne House School is officially a Dyslexia Friendly Kitemark school.
Westbourne House School was recognised as Dyslexia Friendly by the British Dyslexia Association in June 2025.
Not many schools have this kitemark, which involved a two-year accreditation process, whole staff training and evidence of good practice throughout the school.
This good practice approach is optimal for children with dyslexia and also is beneficial for children with any neurodiversity.
Quality First Teaching is a style of teaching that emphasises high quality, inclusive teaching for all pupils in a class. Quality First Teaching includes all the adaptations being made for individuals including support and stretch.