Overview
Introduction
The Learning Support Team (LST) is a team of specialist teachers working with Nottingham City schools to support children and young people (CYP) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We work collaboratively with schools, families and professionals to ensure pupils can access learning, participate fully in school life and achieve positive outcomes.
Our work reflects current expert SEND consensus. We understand SEND through the impact on learning, access and participation, rather than labels alone, and focus on early identification, provision‑led support, inclusive practice and clear individual support planning.
Alongside direct work with pupils, we prioritise coaching, modelling and mentoring for school staff and parents, empowering schools to embed effective, sustainable approaches that strengthen inclusive provision at classroom and whole‑school level.
What We Do
We provide evidence‑informed support through direct work with pupils and strategic guidance for schools. Our focus is on:
- Identifying learning needs early
- Improving access to learning and inclusion
- Supporting executive functioning and learning differences
- Strengthening inclusive classroom practice
- Promoting progress, independence and successful transitions
Our Offer
Specialist Assessments
- Dyslexia Assessments carried out by qualified specialist teachers with APC, providing diagnostic outcome, a learning profile and clear recommendations.
- Learning Profile Assessments to identify strengths, learning differences and effective strategies to support progress.
- Exam Access Arrangement Assessments to ensure appropriate support such as extra time, readers or scribes.
- Access to Learning Observations focusing on how pupils experience learning and identifying practical ways to improve inclusion and engagement in the classroom.
Direct Mentoring and Modelling
We support schools through:
- Modelling evidence‑based interventions (e.g. Colourful Semantics)
- Baseline and small‑steps assessment
- Planning and resourcing support
- In‑class mentoring of inclusive strategies
Training and Strategic Support
We deliver practical SEND training and advice, including:
- The graduated approach and adaptive teaching
- Dyslexia and executive functioning
- Down’s Syndrome Awareness
- Communication (Signs and Symbols)
- Assistive Technology
- Bespoke Training
- Strategic SENCO Mentoring
Working With Families
We work alongside families and schools to:
- Encourage consistent approaches between home and school
- Support transitions between educational settings
- Support SEND Review Meetings
Who We Work With
We work with CYP who:
- Live in Nottingham City and/or attend a Nottingham City school
- Have identified learning needs
Support is delivered mainly in schools, alongside teachers and teaching assistants. Each City school has a named LST teacher.
Our Expertise
All team members are qualified teachers with mainstream and specialist experience and hold specialist qualifications in areas including dyslexia, SEND, assessment for access arrangements and educational testing with continual professional development (CPD).
The team supports learners with a wide range of needs including:
- Children and young people with difficulties in executive functioning impacting learning
- Cognitive and learning needs, particularly working memory and processing
- Needs affecting independent learning and task completion
- Learning progress significantly below age‑related expectations due to cognitive processing difficulties
Referrals
Referrals are made via the school SENCo.