One of the biggest decisions any parent makes is where to send their child to school. There are so many different things that factor into the discussion: costs, rankings, grades, and location, to name just a few. It's a big decision, and it will determine where they spend some of the most important years of their life. The environment in which they spend their formative years, their teachers, their friends, and their schoolwork, will all play a huge part in determining the future of your children, so you don't want to make the wrong decision. Using the care app will help you be in the know, no matter what time of day.
Some children require a lot more support than others when it comes to making the most of their education. Children with disabilities or special educational needs may need extra help with their reading, comprehension, communication, or developing physical skills. Your child may have a diagnosed disability or medical condition, in which case it may be easier to determine what kind of education they need. However, other children may have no diagnosed condition, yet they struggle with things that other children find easier,
Either way, your child will need extra help throughout their education, and you will want to find a school that supports their needs and helps them to thrive in their own way. All children are different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. Teaching requires a tailored approach to the specific needs and learning styles of each student. If you are deciding on an education provider for a child with special needs, here is a guide to walk you through some of the important considerations involved in your decision.
Mainstream or specialist school?
The first and potentially most important decision to make is whether to send your child to a mainstream school or a school that specializes in teaching children with special educational needs. At a mainstream school, your child will be taught the approved curriculum and learn amongst children with and without special needs. Most mainstream schools will have a system in place for supporting children with a physical or learning disability, and they may be able to get extra help in the form of a teaching assistant or visits from specialists such as a speech and language therapist. They should also be able to provide necessary assistance regarding managing medication and personal care.
A specialist school, on the other hand, is specially designed to accommodate children with additional needs. Some special schools may focus on particular diagnoses such as autism, or physical disabilities, while others will take students with a wide range of needs. One key difference is that a specialist school will have a curriculum tailored to the pupils' needs. There will generally be much smaller class sizes and a higher teacher-to-pupil ratio than a mainstream school, allowing children to undergo a more personal, hands-on approach to learning. Teachers will generally be trained to work with children with special needs, and the staff may include specialists such as speech therapists or occupational therapists. The school may also feature specialist facilities such as computer software and play equipment and will probably be designed with the needs of the pupils in mind - for example, wheelchair-friendly with plenty of quiet spaces.
As a parent, it can be a difficult decision to make, and each option has its pros and cons. Your choice will depend entirely on your personal preference, your child's individual needs, and the availability of schools in your local area. Some parents opt for a mainstream school because it means their child can go to school locally and learn amongst siblings or peers with no special educational needs. However, if you feel your child would benefit from a lot more support in their education, then a specialist school might be the best option. Bear in mind that a specialist school will usually be a lot more costly than a mainstream one, as well as the fact that your child will likely have to travel further to get to school.
Additionally, you could opt for a mainstream school with a dedicated specialist unit, or a dual placement, meaning your child would split their time between a mainstream and a specialist school.
Some advice to help you make your decision
Do your research
When considering your options, look at all the schools within the area you are willing to travel and conduct extensive research. All schools will have a website that should outline their systems of support for children with special needs. This will give you an idea of the character of the school and the level of understanding and help your child is likely to receive.
Visit schools
Before making any decisions, you will need to visit the school and decide whether it is right for you and your child. Mainstream schools will usually have set open days where anyone can come and look around, but if you prefer to avoid crowds, the school may be able to show you around by appointment. A specialist school will not usually have open days and visits will most likely have to be arranged in advance. Check with the school to find out their visiting policy.
When narrowing down your school choices, you may want to visit once with your child to see what they think and again on your own so you can focus on talking to the teachers. If possible, visiting during school time is most useful as it will give you an indication of how the pupils interact with each other and their teachers.
Talk to other parents
One of the most enlightening ways to find out about the quality of a school is to talk to the parents of other students with additional needs. You will be able to get inside information on how well-supported their child is and any concerns they may have. You will be able to find other parents by finding online groups connected to the school or on social media.
Choosing the right school for your child is a difficult decision and one which requires a lot of research and discussion. Every child deserves an education, and if you ever feel your child is not receiving the support they deserve, consider hiring a special education lawyer to ensure that your child's needs are met.
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