International School of Toulouse

IST provides a Primary and Secondary Student Support Department that ensures all pupils can access the curriculum and have opportunities to progress. The provision addresses educational and emotional needs through a holistic, whole-child approach and provides inclusive, differentiated learning. All staff promote a pupil's self-esteem and well-being and monitor progress to ensure appropriate supports are in place. The school may involve an Educational Psychologist and other external specialists, including the School Doctor, to support emotional and behavioural needs when required. The school also addresses transitions and may provide counselling through the psychologist for students experiencing anxiety, including during transitions from primary to secondary.

Pupils requiring Special Educational Needs provision are admitted to IST in line with the school's admissions policy, where it is deemed that the school can meet their needs. If the need may exceed the school's capacity, a place may be refused or more information requested. The Primary and Secondary Student Support Coordinators assess concerns, and may refer a pupil to an Educational Psychologist. Extra support may be provided in small groups or on a one-to-one basis and supported by the Student Support Department and teaching assistants. The school may engage outside agencies, including an Educational Psychologist, for assessment and support, with parents kept informed. An Intervention Plan with progress targets is drawn up when needed and reviewed to monitor and support progress.

Pupils learning English as an Additional Language are defined as those with a home language other than English or who are in the process of learning English for educational purposes. Every class teacher has responsibility for language development of EAL learners, and the Student Support Department provides additional English support as needed. EAL provision may include extra English support using interactive resources, depending on the level of English. IST believes that non-first-language English speakers make strong progress through immersion in the mainstream curriculum, with language development supported within the classroom.

Emotional well-being is addressed through the Student Support provision. Pupils with emotional or behavioural needs may be referred to the school's psychologist for counselling, and external agencies may be involved where appropriate. The school supports transitions (e.g., Grade 5 to Grade 6 transfer) and may arrange counselling if anxiety occurs, in consultation with parents and staff.

Safeguarding is addressed through child protection processes, with the Student Support Coordinator coordinating with external agencies when needed. The school may engage Educational Psychologists and other professionals and will keep parents informed. All discussions with parents will be treated with the strictest confidence. External agencies may be involved to assess and support pupils as required, with parental involvement.