Chronicle January 2021

9 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Shweta Soni What do you do at Teddies and how long have you been here? I have been at Teddies since September 2020 as the Head of Learning Development, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator. What did you do before? I have always been in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities sector, at both prep and senior school level, as a SEND teacher. For many years I have also run a private practice as a diagnostic assessor as well as offering programmes to enable those with specific learning differences (SpLD) to develop skills and confidence. Can you give a brief overview of our approach to Learning Development at Teddies? ​At Teddies, we see and define the pupils in terms of their abilities, not their difficulties. We strongly believe that pupils with learning differences are just as capable as any other learners but require strategies that can effectively overcome any barriers to learning. Pupils are therefore encouraged to book in time with the Learning Development Department as and when they require support. They are given a wide range of tools and strategies to overcome challenges in the classroom and teachers are made aware of needs and given guidance on how to give support through their teaching.  We have high aspirations for all our pupils and we do everything we can to ensure they are all confident enough to find pleasure in overcoming challenges – a key life lesson for success. Our approach is perhaps not typical. How do you reassure parents? We recognise that Shells often come to St Edward’s having received a wide range of support and a sudden transition to independence can be overwhelming. Therefore, in their first term, my team and I meet with all Shells, especially those who are already known to have an SpLD diagnosis.  Following the Shell screening in the Autumn Term, all teachers are made aware of the special educational needs of pupils in their classes. Senior schools are required to conduct their own assessments to identify exam concessions, so no exam concessions carry over from former schools. Pupils are encouraged to engage with classroom learning as normal and are carefully monitored and supported. It is interesting that many pupils often flourish without the concessions and in fact grow in confidence when they realise their true ability. However, the Shell screening certainly identifies any areas of significant difficulty and appropriate support is given and concessions will be granted to pupils who need them. What do you enjoy about your role? My role, very much like the Department itself, is unusual in many ways and this is something I really value. I am a consultant to the School, a facilitator and mentor to the pupils, a source of SEND expertise for teachers and an SpLD expert and a diagnostic assessor for parents. I value each of these roles and enjoy the variety of each day at Teddies.  Best advice you’ve ever been given? Be humble, patient and listen to everyone’s views. I am being given ample opportunity to put this into practice and I hope I can continue developing my own character while helping others.