Additional Educational Needs (AEN) Provision at Carrickfergus Academy

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At Carrickfergus Academy, we are committed to supporting every pupil to reach their full potential through inclusive, personalised learning. Our Additional Educational Needs (AEN) Team plays a central role in ensuring that pupils with additional needs receive the support they require to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

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The team is led by Mrs Fox-Quinn, Senior Teacher for Learning Support, and includes dedicated Learning Support Co-ordinators for each Key Stage:

- Mrs Byers – Key Stage 3
- Mrs Cosgrove – Key Stage 4
- Mrs Donnelly – Key Stage 5 and Access Arrangements

Mrs Donnelly oversees all Access Arrangements for external examinations, ensuring that pupils who require additional support—such as extra time—receive appropriate provision. This ensures that all pupils have a fair and equitable opportunity to succeed in their GCSE and A-level exams.

The AEN Team is further supported by a highly committed group of over 60 Learning Support Assistants, who work across the school to provide in-class and individual support.

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Specialist Provision for Social Communication (SPSC)

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Carrickfergus Academy is proud to host three Specialist Provision for Social Communication (SPSC) classes, currently available for pupils in Years 8 to 10, with plans to expand into Key Stage 4.

Each class is led by an experienced and specialist Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher:

- Mrs Jeffries – Year 8
- Mrs Boyd – Year 9
- Mrs Bloxsom – Year 10

These classes are supported by at least two dedicated Learning Support Assistants, creating a small, nurturing environment where pupils can flourish. Pupils in SPSC classes have the opportunity to integrate into mainstream lessons at a pace and level that is tailored to their individual needs, if they wish.

SPSC classes are funded by the Education Authority and are designed for pupils with specific and complex needs. Admission to these classes is based on recommendations from the EA following a detailed assessment of each pupil’s profile.

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Inclusive Learning Environment

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At Carrickfergus Academy, we believe that every teacher is a teacher of SEN. We are committed to creating inclusive classrooms where all pupils feel supported, regardless of their starting point. Our staff—both teaching and non-teaching—regularly engage in SEN-focused professional development to ensure they are equipped to meet the diverse needs of our learners.

Our goal is to remove barriers to learning, raise self-esteem, and promote positive behaviour through encouragement and reinforcement. We strive to make every pupil’s school experience meaningful and empowering.

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Assessment and Transition Support

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Upon joining Carrickfergus Academy, each pupil undergoes baseline assessments in literacy and numeracy to help determine the most appropriate class placement. This ensures that pupils are learning at a pace suited to their individual abilities.

We also work closely with feeder primary schools to gather transition information during the move from P7 to Year 8. Parents are asked to complete an information pack to help us better understand and support their child’s needs from the outset.

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Nurture Provision

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In addition to our mainstream and specialist classes, we offer a Nurture Class at KS3 - a smaller, supportive learning environment tailored to pupils’ abilities. Led by experienced staff, this provision focuses on developing the skills necessary for academic and personal success.

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For more details, please refer to our SEN Policy, available in the School Info section of the website.

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