Student Advocate

Student Advocate scheme at Harrogate Grammar School

Our Student Advocate scheme was launched in the final half term of the 2024/2025 academic year. Our aim is to ensure that all children with SEND at HGS have a member of staff who will come to know them well. Through the programme we aim to support every teacher and every leader to be a teacher and leader of SEND. ​

What it is

• Every student on the SEND Support record is paired with a named member of staff — their Student Advocate — who gets to know them well and champions their needs. This may be a teacher, a TA, a pastoral leader, or a senior leader. 
• The scheme’s aim is simple: strong relationships, consistent support and joined‑up communication between teachers, the student and home, so students feel a sense of belonging and make good progress. 
• This is part of the graduated approach at Harrogate Grammar School - the assess-plan-do-review cycle is carried out each term for students through the Student Advocate scheme.

How it works each term

1. Teacher feedback: Every teacher who teaches your child shares what’s going well, an area for development, and strategies that work in lessons. 

Student voice & targets: Your child meets their Advocate (about 15 minutes) to talk this through and co‑produce two clear targets for the next term. 

1. Parent/carer online meeting: You’ll be invited to a 15‑minute online appointment with the Advocate to hear the feedback, see the targets, and agree how home and school can support together. 
2. Updated Learning Plan: The Advocate publishes an updated Learning Plan (including student and parent voice) for teachers to use in lessons. 

Which students are included?

• The scheme focuses on students on the SEND Support record; students with an EHCP take part too, and the Advocate meetings are held in addition to the annual review. 

Dates & booking (2025–26)

• Autumn Term: Tuesday 16 December 2025
• Spring Term: Tuesday 24 March 2026
• Summer Term: Tuesday 30 June 2026
  You’ll receive booking information one month before each date. Appointments are made via the HGS Parents’ Evening System.

Why it is important 

• Your child has a consistent go‑to adult who understands their strengths, needs and what works for them. Over time, your child will build a strong relationship with their advocate. 
• Families are kept in the loop at least termly, with online catch‑ups that share student progress. 
• The school sees early signs of progress and can adapt support, which in turn aims to improve success and the experience of school for students with SEND. 

How you can help at home

• Book and attend the online meeting; share any strategies that work at home; encourage and celebrate progress towards the two targets. 

If you have any questions regarding our Student Advocate scheme please contact Kate Hooper, Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion and SEND / SENDCo via hooperk@hgs.rklt.co.uk.