If you think that your child may have special educational needs, or indeed you then have this confirmed via an assessment, one of your first questions is naturally going to be "What help is there for them in school?" It is a worry for many parents and carers, and having a good, solid understanding of what help is available to you, to your child and what support will be available in school, will ensure that you have all the help you need to help your child thrive. Here, we’re going to look at some of the different options available and approaches that you can talk about with their educators to ensure the best results.
Clarifying Special Educational Needs
The first step in supporting children with special educational needs is identifying their specific challenges and requirements. This is typically done through a thorough educational assessment.
These assessments are designed to evaluate the child's cognitive, emotional, and social development, providing a clear picture of their strengths and areas where they may need extra help.
These assessments are conducted by educational psychologists, special education teachers, or other trained professionals. They often involve a combination of standardized tests, observations, and interviews with the child, parents, and teachers. The results from these assessments are crucial as they form the foundation for any subsequent interventions and support strategies.
Now, the above all sounds really simple and straight forward but I know from experience that thousands, tens of thousands of parents, are waiting years for an assessment. Some parents do opt to go privately, whereas others need to wait on the NHS or other waiting lists due tot he cost of going private.
Support can still be offered to children who are awaiting assessment or diagnosis, but it is once an EHCP is in place that that support is mandatory and tailored specifically to their individual needs.
Setting Up Special Learning Programs
Once a child's special educational needs have been identified, the next step is to set up a special learning program tailored to their needs.
These programs, often known as Special Educational Needs (SEN) programs, are designed to provide structured support that addresses the child's specific challenges.
An SEN program might include individualised teaching methods, specialised curricula, and targeted learning activities. The goal of these programs is to ensure that children with special needs can access education in a way that is meaningful and effective for them.
SEN programs are usually developed in collaboration with teachers, parents, and other professionals involved in the child's education. They are regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed to ensure that they continue to meet the child's evolving needs.
Getting Extra Help from Teachers and Assistants
In addition to specialised programs, children with special educational needs often require additional help from teachers and teaching assistants.
This support can take many forms, including one-on-one instruction, small group work, or in-class assistance. Teachers who work with children with special needs are typically trained in special education techniques, allowing them to adapt their teaching methods to the child's learning style.
Teaching assistants play a vital role as well, providing additional support during lessons, helping the child to stay focused, and offering extra guidance on challenging tasks. The presence of dedicated staff members who understand the child’s needs can significantly enhance their learning experience.
Small Group Learning
For many children with special educational needs, working in smaller groups can be particularly beneficial. Smaller group settings allow for more personalized attention and a tailored approach to learning.
In these settings, educators can modify the pace and content of instruction to suit the individual needs of each child. The reduced student-to-teacher ratio also makes it easier for educators to manage any behavioural issues and provide immediate feedback.
Additionally, children may feel less overwhelmed and more confident in a smaller group, which can lead to increased participation and engagement.
Smaller groups also facilitate peer learning and social interaction, allowing children to develop social skills in a more controlled and supportive environment.
Tracking Progress with EHCP and IEP Goals
Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) are another critical tool in supporting children with special educational needs. An IEP progress report template is a document that outlines specific learning goals for the child, along with the strategies and resources that will be used to achieve those goals.
IEPs are developed collaboratively by educators, parents, and other relevant professionals. The goals set within an IEP are tailored to the child's unique needs and are designed to be achievable within a specific timeframe.
Examples of goals, often split into various different areas of development such as physical, social and emotional, may be;
John will be able to button his shirt independently after PE or swimming
Josie will actively participate in a shared game for 5 minutes
Ishaq will independently count to 5
Sarah will tolerate another child choosing the Song of the Day
Regular tracking and review of IEP goals are essential to ensure that the child is making progress and that the strategies in place are effective. If a child is not meeting their IEP goals, the plan can be adjusted to provide additional support or to modify the goals to better align with the child's abilities.
Consistent Routine
For children with special educational needs, consistency and predictability in their daily routine are crucial. A consistent routine helps to reduce anxiety and provides a sense of stability and security, which can significantly impact their ability to learn.
Children who struggle with changes in their environment or who have difficulties with transitions can benefit from knowing what to expect each day.
Establishing a daily routine that includes clear and consistent timings for activities, lessons, and breaks helps the child to feel more in control and less overwhelmed. This sense of structure can improve their focus and engagement in learning activities.
Creating a Dedicated Learning Space
A well-designed learning space can make a significant difference in the child’s ability to concentrate and engage in their education.
This space should be free from distractions and tailored to the child's sensory and physical needs.
For example, some children might benefit from a quiet area with soft lighting, while others might need a more stimulating environment with visual aids and tactile materials.
The learning space should also be equipped with the necessary resources and tools that the child needs to succeed, such as adaptive technology or specialised educational materials.
Additionally, having a space where children can explore their sensory preferences is ideal. Many schools will have a sensory room, with some schools being lucky enough to have a soft play room which is great for gross motor skills and burning off lots of energy.
Adaptive Technology
Adaptive technology can play a transformative role in the education of children with special educational needs.
This technology includes a wide range of tools and devices designed to support learning and communication. For example, speech-to-text software can assist children with dyslexia in writing assignments, while communication devices can help non-verbal children express themselves.
Adaptive technology also includes software that provides visual or auditory support for learning, helping children with sensory processing disorders or learning disabilities.
The use of such technology allows children to access the curriculum in ways that would not be possible with traditional methods. It can also foster independence and confidence, as children are able to participate more fully in their education.
Emotional Support
Supporting the emotional wellbeing children with special educational needs is just as important as addressing their academic challenges.
Many children with special needs, such as those with Emotional-Based School Avoidance, may experience anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties that can impact their ability to learn.
It is essential to provide emotional support through counselling, therapy, or other mental health services. Creating a supportive and understanding environment at school and at home can help to alleviate these emotional challenges. Educators and parents should be trained to recognise the signs of emotional distress and to provide appropriate support.
Each child with special educational needs is different, so naturally, not all of the tips above are going to work the same for every single person. However, they should give you some avenues to start exploring with your child’s teachers and school.
