It's been a week when head teachers have been asked to approve a new way of funding ALN. ALN stands for additional learning needs and I think most people have a handle on what that means. It means some children need more help than others. Some with their learning. In addition, some with their behaviour.

In my experience, I have never had a parent complain to me that we are helping another child with their Maths or their English. No one has ever said that they have an issue that the children who need additional help with their learning are a problem. No parent has ever criticised another parent’s child because they struggle with their learning.

Some do, however, when another child struggles with behaviour, though. I guess it is because, when children struggle with their behaviour, it can affect others. It's also one of the things that children talk about when they go home from school. It's easy to make judgements on children who need additional help with their behaviour and about what the school does about it. Especially when the context for the behaviour is not known to them. I have yet to meet a child who is just naughty. There is always context.

One thing we don’t do is “brush it under the carpet”! I wish we could and behaviour magically improves. However, like learning needs, behavioural needs require an awful lot of hard work, intervention, understanding and patience. As with learning needs, children with behavioural needs will continue to make mistakes, but continue to make improvements.

As with learning needs, we will continue to work hard, with families and other agencies to give that child the very best opportunity to reach their potential.

There will always be the very few who sit in judgement of children who need extra help. I am glad I am not one and will continue to provide the very best for ALL the pupils in our school, regardless of their need. I urge anyone who wants to be a critical friend, and be FULLY informed of the amount of work involved, to apply to join the Governing body at the next available opportunity. This will afford you the time and knowledge to see just HOW much work goes into ALL the pupils in the school, no matter how complex their need.

Have a great weekend - Mr Redgrave.