At Severnbanks, we recognise that cognition and learning needs can vary widely from child to child. These needs may affect a pupil’s ability to access the curriculum, particularly in areas such as literacy and numeracy, and may result in attainment levels that are significantly below age-related expectations.

Some pupils may have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD)—a type of learning need that affects particular areas of learning rather than overall cognitive ability. Examples include:

➗ Dyscalculia

Children with dyscalculia experience difficulties in acquiring maths-based skills. This may be especially noticeable when a pupil performs well in other subjects. They may struggle with recognising patterns, estimating quantities, or understanding number relationships.

✍️ Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia affects a child’s ability to express themselves through writing due to challenges with fine motor skills. These pupils may be articulate when speaking but find it difficult to translate their thoughts into written form.

📖 Dyslexia

Dyslexia impacts how a person processes information, making reading, spelling, and memory tasks more difficult. It can also affect organisational skills and sequencing.

🏃 Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder – DCD)

Dyspraxia affects both fine and gross motor coordination. Pupils may appear clumsy, struggle with tasks like handwriting or PE, and find it difficult to organise themselves. They may also avoid physical activities such as running, skipping, or hopping due to poor balance and spatial awareness.

🌟 Global Learning Difficulties

Other pupils may have broader learning needs, known as global difficulties, which include:

📚 Moderate Learning Difficulty (MLD)

Children with MLD may struggle with basic literacy and numeracy and often need support beyond the standard curriculum. They may also experience speech and language challenges, lower self-esteem, reduced concentration, and underdeveloped social skills. Supporting their emotional wellbeing is just as important as academic progress.

🧩 Severe Learning Difficulty (SLD)

Pupils with SLD require significant support across all areas of learning. These children often have additional needs, such as physical, sensory, communication, and emotional challenges, alongside their cognitive difficulties.

💙 Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty (PMLD)

Children with PMLD have more than one disability, with a profound learning difficulty being the most significant. These pupils may face challenges with communication, mobility, vision, and hearing, and often require highly personalised support to access learning and develop independence.

At Severnbanks, we are committed to providing inclusive, tailored support for all pupils with cognition and learning needs. We work closely with families and external professionals to ensure every child receives the right interventions to help them thrive.