Learning Support Centre
Learning Support Centre
The school incorporates a Learning Support Centre for Pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties, ADD/ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome or Speech & Language Difficulties. The school prides itself on our inclusive ethos and the LSC children integrate with the main school for a range of educational activities.
There are currently 4 LSC classes:
C 1: Years 1 – 2 Known as The Hedgehogs
C 2: Years 1 - 3 Known as The Owls
C 3: Years 3 - 5 Known as The Squirrels
C 4: Years 6 - 7 Known as The Foxes
The SPEYF classes are for Pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties and were set up under the SPEYF programme (Special Provision for Early Years and Foundation).
Our SPEYF classes are as follows:
SP 1: Nursery to P2 Known as The Butterflies
SP2: Nursery to P2 Known as The Ladybirds
The Learning Support Centre at Downpatrick Primary School caters for children with a range of addition needs such as moderate learning difficulties, autism and social communication difficulties, dyslexia, ADHD and speech and language difficulties.
The numbers of pupils in each class is much less than in a mainstream setting and can range between 6-12 children.
How can my child get a place?
Children who are assessed by an Educational Psychologist and receive a Statement from the Board recommending a small group placement with a high adult to pupil ratio. If your child is undergoing assessment you are very welcome to get in touch. Parents are often overwhelmed by the process and unsure what choices to make for their child. We are very happy to talk with you and explain what we can offer your child and what steps you need to take.
What can we offer?
We are proud of the expertise and experience of all our staff working with children with a range of needs and this is supported by on-going professional development opportunities.
The Learning Support Centre is well resourced to meet the needs of all the children. The pupil/teacher ratio is small which gives the children the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. We find that children quickly adjust to a school move to our LSC and we see positive changes in their self-esteem and confidence reported by their parents at home and in school.
Children in the LSC follow the Northern Ireland Primary curriculum, receiving individually targeted teaching for both literacy and numeracy. Support from outside agencies is important and we are fortunate to have Speech and Language Therapists attending the school weekly and other professionals who also work with the children.
As we are part of a mainstream primary school , our Learning Support Centre provides children with daily opportunities to integrate with their mainstream peers during the school day for example play based learning in Foundation Stage, Activity based learning in Key Stage 1 and The Arts, Science and PE in Key Stage 2.
The school incorporates a Learning Support Centre for Pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties, ADD/ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome or Speech & Language Difficulties. The school prides itself on our inclusive ethos and the LSC children integrate with the main school for a range of educational activities.
There are currently 4 LSC classes:
C 1: Years 1 – 2 Known as The Hedgehogs
C 2: Years 1 - 3 Known as The Owls
C 3: Years 3 - 5 Known as The Squirrels
C 4: Years 6 - 7 Known as The Foxes
The SPEYF classes are for Pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties and were set up under the SPEYF programme (Special Provision for Early Years and Foundation).
Our SPEYF classes are as follows:
SP 1: Nursery to P2 Known as The Butterflies
SP2: Nursery to P2 Known as The Ladybirds
The Learning Support Centre at Downpatrick Primary School caters for children with a range of addition needs such as moderate learning difficulties, autism and social communication difficulties, dyslexia, ADHD and speech and language difficulties.
The numbers of pupils in each class is much less than in a mainstream setting and can range between 6-12 children.
How can my child get a place?
Children who are assessed by an Educational Psychologist and receive a Statement from the Board recommending a small group placement with a high adult to pupil ratio. If your child is undergoing assessment you are very welcome to get in touch. Parents are often overwhelmed by the process and unsure what choices to make for their child. We are very happy to talk with you and explain what we can offer your child and what steps you need to take.
What can we offer?
We are proud of the expertise and experience of all our staff working with children with a range of needs and this is supported by on-going professional development opportunities.
The Learning Support Centre is well resourced to meet the needs of all the children. The pupil/teacher ratio is small which gives the children the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. We find that children quickly adjust to a school move to our LSC and we see positive changes in their self-esteem and confidence reported by their parents at home and in school.
Children in the LSC follow the Northern Ireland Primary curriculum, receiving individually targeted teaching for both literacy and numeracy. Support from outside agencies is important and we are fortunate to have Speech and Language Therapists attending the school weekly and other professionals who also work with the children.
As we are part of a mainstream primary school , our Learning Support Centre provides children with daily opportunities to integrate with their mainstream peers during the school day for example play based learning in Foundation Stage, Activity based learning in Key Stage 1 and The Arts, Science and PE in Key Stage 2.
LSC Teaching Staff 2024-25
SPEYF Teaching Staff 2024-25
The Butterflies Class
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The Ladybirds Class
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Sensory Room
We have created a multi sensory room which can be used by all children to develop a variety of skills but which ultimately enriches the provision for children with sensory needs. The room has a variety of uses and benefits for all children. It provides relaxation activities, visual, tactile and auditory stimulation through the use of a projector and bubble tube. |
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Links with Parents
As a parent of a child in our Learning Support Centre you may live in Downpatrick but quite often our LSC children travel a distance to school every day. They may come from as far as Newtownards, Comber, Ballygowan, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Castlewellan or Newcastle. We realise that this may make it more difficult for parents to have as much contact with the school and the staff as they would wish. We have developed a LSC Parents' Committee which aims to meet at least once a term informally over a cup of tea or coffee. The staff are on hand to give talks on different aspects of the life of the three classes and on areas which will help parents to support their child. Often the biggest benefit for parents is the opportunity to meet and talk to your child's classmate's parents. |
Some Photographs of Working in The Learning Support Centre.
