Learning Support

Special Educational Needs

At Elmhurst Ballet School, we are committed to providing high-quality education and support to all of our students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our school is proud to offer a wide range of provision for students with SEND to help them achieve their full potential.

Our SEND provision is designed to be inclusive, aiming to identify any learning difficulties early on and provide effective support and adjustments to meet the individual needs of each student. We collaborate with colleagues across all areas of school (academic, artistic and boarding) as well as with parents/carers to develop a tailored plan for each student, focusing on their strengths and needs.

We provide a range of support to meet the specific needs of each student, including:

•          Individualised instruction and support in academic subjects

•          Small group instruction and support

•          Co-teaching and collaboration with classroom teachers

•          Exam Access Arrangement assessment and implementation

•          Support with specialist and assistive technology

•          Support with social and emotional needs.

We also work closely with external agencies such as Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Occupational Therapists to ensure that our students receive the most appropriate support.

We believe that all students should have equal access to education and we are committed to ensuring that our SEND provision meets the highest standards. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's academic progress or learning needs, please don't hesitate to reach out to our department. We look forward to working with you and your child to support their learning and success.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

If English is not your first language, you will receive support from a specialist teacher to help you:

• Make friends and settle into school life by increasing your confidence and ability to speak English in everyday situations
• Understand and participate in academic lessons to achieve your potential
• Complete the academic parts of your Professional Dance Studies diploma if you’re an Upper School student

You can also prepare to sit English language exams such as IELTS or the Cambridge exams.

Before starting at Elmhurst, you will have a video call with the English as an Additional Language teacher.  This is an opportunity for you to meet the teacher before you start at the school, and for you and your parents to ask any questions about the English language support we provide.  We also send you an Introductory Pack with key information and vocabulary that you will need when you start school.  When you start at the school, we will assess your English level and you will receive tailored support with English, based on your specific needs.  During the school term, the English as an Additional Language teacher works closely with the academic and artistic teachers to monitor your progress and provide the most appropriate support.

Lower School students are supported through one-to-one or small group sessions and if necessary, in-class support including one-to-one support, differentiated work and access to a translation device.

Upper School students receive 4 hours of small group tuition per week from a qualified English as an Additional Language teacher.