How do I decide between mainstream, specialist or home-school?
LEM Support
Last Update 3 anni fa
It is always a hard choice to decide on the best school for your child, one that can be made even harder with an SEN diagnosis. Most parents will admit that they want to fight for their child to go to a mainsteam school for as long as possible to keep that air of “normality”
However once your child is confirmed as having a learning disability it becomes a case of what is best for your child s needs. It is important that any choices are made as calmly and objectively as possible taking into consideration your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Mainstream:
Many mainstream schools now cater towards mild and moderate disorders such as dyspraxia and dyslexia. In the same way most independent schools will have a SENCO and a SEN department. It is important to do your research and it is a good idea to try to contact the headteacher or SENCO of your prospective school. Try to get a tour of the school during school hours.
SEN Schools:
Most SEN schools have smaller class sizes and SEN teachers are often taught specialist teaching strategies to help accommodate their students. SEN schools are usually sympathetic to the fact that parents are trying to make a hard choice when they are discussing the different options and will try to give their advice on what they feel is the best route.
Every SEN child is different and because a specialist school is good for one child, it does not flow that it will definitely be the right place for your child. The same ideas apply for visit to a specialist school as to the mainstream ones - make sure to tour during school hours and ask as many questions as you can.
Home-schooling:
One of the disadvantages of home schooling can be that you may not receive as much support from your local authority in regards to statements or EHCP plans. Home schooling can be a more positive atmosphere for your child as it allows them to have one to one attention. You know your child best and therefore this is a good way to ensure their teaching is tailored to fit them. This can be done with less time pressures and with breaks if needed.