PALS
(Pupils’ Additional Literacy/Language Support)
What is PALS?
Dove House offers a specialist provision for pupils who need additional support for their literacy and language skills. This is over and above that which is provided for all pupils as part of a special school curriculum and is for those pupils whose literacy and/or language skills are below their general level of functioning. The recent OFSTED report (May 2007) reported that "the development of PALS has ensured that pupils' specific needs are met" and that "reading and writing are improved very well through special lessons"
Which Pupils Attend PALS?
All pupils are screened for such difficulties on entry to the school. Those found to have a mismatch between their literacy levels and general ability level are then assessed further to identify their specific needs so that an appropriate programme can be devised.
How & When Do Pupils Attend PALS?
As this provision is designed to meet the highly specific needs of the individual child, teaching groups are small to enable individual programmes to be delivered. Pupils are usually withdrawn from three of their English lessons per week and are taught in groups of 3-4 pupils.
What Happens In a Typical Lesson?
Pupils are taught using a multi-sensory approach. Each pupil follows a programme of reading and/or spelling and is trained to be able to identify the individual sounds in a word and be able to segment, blend and manipulate these sounds to aid reading and spelling. Pupils also work on building up a basic sight vocabulary to develop fluency in reading, using precision teaching. Computer programs are used to reinforce and practise skills, as are board and card games.
How Is Progress Monitored?
All pupils have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which is reviewed termly. This is in addition to their whole school IEP and sets out small achievable targets which are closely linked to their programme of study. Reading and spelling levels are re-assessed annually to track progress and inform future teaching programmes. The recent OFSTED inspection (May 2007) reported that "pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) improve their literacy skills considerably through the work of PALS" and that "many pupils with SpLD make significant improvement in their reading and spelling skills which helps them to make excellent progress in their lessons."
Resources
The department is well resourced with 6 computers, interactive whiteboard, a wide range of software and specialist teaching materials. The department strives to keep up to date with latest ideas and new initiatives in the field.
Staffing
The department is staffed by one full-time and one part-time teacher, both of whom are very experienced in teaching pupils with specific learning difficulties. Both teachers are trained Phonographix therapists.
