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Cognition and Learning

Support and Advice for Parents and Carers

At Madginford Primary School, we recognise that every child learns in their own way. Children develop skills, knowledge and understanding at different rates, and some children may need additional support to overcome barriers to learning.

Cognition and learning needs can affect how children understand information, process ideas, remember learning and develop key skills. By working together, families, school and professionals can help children build confidence, independence and a love of learning.

What are Cognition and Learning Needs?

Children with cognition and learning needs may experience differences in the way they learn, process information or apply their knowledge.

This may include difficulties with:

Learning and Understanding

Children may:

  • need more time to learn new concepts;
  • benefit from information being broken into smaller steps;
  • need repetition and practice to remember new learning;
  • find transferring skills to new situations challenging.

Reading, Writing and Mathematics

Some children may need additional support with:

  • developing reading skills;
  • spelling and writing;
  • handwriting and recording ideas;
  • understanding mathematical concepts;
  • recalling number facts.

Memory and Processing

Children may:

  • need extra thinking time;
  • find remembering instructions difficult;
  • benefit from visual reminders and practical resources;
  • need support organising their thoughts and ideas.

Every child has different strengths and ways of learning. Understanding these strengths helps us provide the right support.

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home

Create positive learning experiences

Children learn best when they feel confident and supported.

Try to:

  • celebrate effort, not just outcomes;
  • praise perseverance and progress;
  • encourage curiosity and questions;
  • focus on your child’s strengths and interests;
  • avoid comparing your child with others.

Support reading and language

Reading together regularly helps develop confidence and understanding.

You can:

  • share books and talk about stories;
  • listen to your child read;
  • discuss new vocabulary;
  • encourage children to make predictions and share ideas;
  • visit the library and explore different types of books.

Develop independence

Helping children become independent learners builds confidence.

Try to:

  • encourage your child to have a go before offering help;
  • break tasks into manageable steps;
  • use checklists or reminders;
  • celebrate when your child solves a problem independently;
  • encourage children to explain their thinking.

Support organisation and routines

Children often benefit from predictable routines.

You can help by:

  • creating regular times for homework and reading;
  • preparing equipment needed for school;
  • using visual reminders where helpful;
  • giving clear instructions one step at a time.

Supporting Children with Specific Learning Differences

Some children may have specific learning differences such as:

  • dyslexia (differences with reading and spelling);
  • dyscalculia (differences with understanding number);
  • developmental coordination difficulties affecting writing and recording.

Children with learning differences often have many strengths, including creativity, problem-solving skills and original ways of thinking.

Recognising strengths alongside areas of need helps children develop confidence and self-belief.

Building Confidence and Resilience

Learning can sometimes feel challenging. Children benefit from understanding that mistakes are part of learning.

Help your child by:

  • encouraging a “keep trying” attitude;
  • talking positively about challenges;
  • celebrating small steps;
  • helping them identify strategies that work for them;
  • reminding them that everyone learns differently.

Useful Parent Resources

Kent SEND Information Hub (Local Offer)

Kent’s SEND Information Hub provides information, advice and guidance for families about SEND support, education, health and community services.

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/about-the-send-local-offer

British Dyslexia Association

Provides information and support for families about dyslexia, literacy difficulties and ways to support children’s learning.

https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

National Numeracy

Provides advice and resources to help families support children’s confidence and understanding in mathematics.

https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/

When Should I Speak to School?

Please speak to your child’s class teacher or our SEND team if you have concerns about your child’s:

  • progress in reading, writing or mathematics;
  • confidence as a learner;
  • ability to remember or apply learning;
  • independence;
  • motivation or engagement.

Working together helps us identify barriers, celebrate strengths and provide the right support.

Contacting Our SEND Team

If you have concerns about your child’s learning, development or progress, please speak with your child’s class teacher or contact our SEND team.

We value working in partnership with families and believe that open communication helps us understand each child and provide support that enables them to flourish.

SENDCo: Mrs S Farrell
School Office Email: office@mps.kent.sch.uk
Telephone: 01622 734539

At Madginford Primary School, we believe every child can achieve, grow in confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.

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