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Specific learning difficultiesSpecial educational needs – additional needs
Service personnel in receipt of Continuity of Education Allowance(Boarding) may also be able to claim an additional allowance if their child had been diagnosed as having a specific learning difficulty or dyslexia. The Special Educational Needs Addition (SENA) is payable for necessary extra tuition in English Language & Literacy and/or Maths, for a specific period. Specific learning difficulties (SpLD)
There are various types of learning difficulties that inhibit the development of a child’s literacy, and sometimes numeracy, skills. These difficulties can include dyslexia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia. A child with specific learning difficulties can perform at average or above average level generally, yet have significant difficulties in gaining literacy and numeracy skills. This can in some cases cause frustration, which can result in emotional and behavioural difficulties. Taking action
If you think your child has a specific learning difficulty, you should talk first to his or her class teacher and find out what support your child is receiving. If the independent boarding school recommends extra tuition, and the school is to make a charge for this, then you will have to arrange for an assessment to be carried out by a Dyslexia Action Chartered Educational Psychologist (CEP) (for which there will be a charge). The CEP will carry out a number of tests to measure a range of skills, such as word recognition, spatial awareness, short- and long-term memory, visual perception, and so on. These tests will identify strengths and weaknesses in your child’s learning, and provide the basis for designing an appropriate teaching programme that the school can follow. Applying for SENA
If your child is in a boarding school and is diagnosed as having a specific learning difficulty you can apply to Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS) for SENA. Your initial application should be forwarded to CEAS enclosing a copy of the CEP’s report, which must be less than 18 months old, details of the boarding school and any other supporting documentation. SENA will be awarded where a child’s assessed learning difficulty would prevent them accessing the normal curriculum if SENA were not available. If your child qualifies for the award you will be issued with a certificate. The certificate should be attached to your Continuity of Education (Boarding) claim form and presented to your Pay Office. In addition, this certificate will state if the cost of the CEP’s report can also be reclaimed. If your child does not qualify for SENA, the cost of the CEP’s report cannot be reclaimed, nor the costs of any extra tuition. For new claimants with children at a boarding school, SENA is payable for a maximum of two years. If, after that time, the learning difficulty has not been satisfactorily addressed you may be eligible to move your child to a specialist school that continues to attract SENA. You should seek advice from CEAS. If your child goes to a specialist boarding school (CEAS can advise you of these) you can claim SENA for as long as the child attends the school and the need exists. Renewing SENA
At the end of one year a detailed special needs report is required in order for us to assess that the need for extra tuition still exists. A copy of this report from the school SENCO should be sent to CEAS. If the learning difficulty continues, a SENA certificate will be issued for a second year. The certificate should again be forwarded to your Pay Office. For children attending specialist schools, CEAS may request a further CEP report for a renewal of the certificate. The cost of this report will be refundable. You should be aware that the SENA is constantly under review by MoD and must not be regarded as an ongoing educational subsidy but a support for a special educational need while the need exists. CEAS can provide specialist advice and assistance on many aspects of education. |
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