SPECIAL NEEDS AND THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Tom Cruise, Jamie Oliver, Susan Hampshire and Einstein have something in common. They are all dyslexic and, along with many other famous people, demonstrate that dyslexia is no barrier to success in a wide variety of fields. There are a number of independent schools throughout the country that offer specialist facilities and staff to assist pupils who are dyslexic or have one of a range of special educational needs. These vary from dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysphasia, Aspergers and many more. Some schools only teach pupils with special needs.


So what should you be looking for if your child has a special educational need and you wish to explore the independent sector?
Certainly first on your list must be staff who are fully trained in special education. This does not mean all staff who teach at the school but should definitely include all specialist staff. Also look for close liaison between specialist staff and the main teaching force. It is important that the good work carried out in the specialist area is continued in the classroom. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for each pupil, which set out short-term goals, are an indication that good practice is being carried out. The specialist help should be given on a 1:1 basis because each child has their own specific needs and facilities should reflect that such tuition does take place with adequate ICT and other resources.


General class sizes should be small and look for 10 or 12 pupils per class. If numbers are 15 or greater then specialist support would be needed in each class. Full access to the National Curriculum should be possible because pupils who have special educational needs can develop quickly once their needs have been identified and met and should have access to the full range of subjects at GCSE. If the school also has specialist facilities in nonacademic subjects this should be seen as a positive because the school is catering for those pupils for whom a full academic course is not suitable as well.


Another strong indicator that the school is providing the necessary education is whether LEAs currently fund pupils to go to the school. They will only fund into schools that meet very strict criteria and regularly assess the education provided.


A fully special needs school will almost certainly be boarding because there will be insufficient local pupils to provide the numbers necessary to offer a full curriculum.
Boarding is often an advantage because pupils will spend a great deal of time with others who have similar difficulties to themselves whereas previously they may have been one of a very small minority. The increase in self-confidence that this gives the pupil is immeasurable. In such schools it is vital to check out the pastoral care systems in place and in particular how pupils are supported in those vital first few weeks.


Most important of all is to take your time before making a decision. It may take two or three visits to a school before you are confident enough to say yes. The first visit may be without your son/daughter. Try and get a good idea of the feel of the place. It must reflect what you wish for your child. Did you feel cared for and supported? Did you talk to the Head, see all the facilities, talk to pupils. Go armed with some specialist questions and check them out.
(reproduced by kind permission Stanbridge Earls School)