You are: Home » For Parents » Special Needs Education

Special Needs Education

Supporting children with additional support needs

There are around 15 independent special schools in membership of SCIS that provide day and residential care and education for children and young people with Additional Support Needs. Some schools specialise in specific learning difficulties, such as autistic spectrum, while others cater for those with physical disabilities. However, the majority provide care and education to children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural challenges who have usually been excluded from mainstream schools. Profiles of the special schools in membership of SCIS can be found on the Find a School page of this website, under Special Needs Schools.       

severe and profound learning difficulties met in independent special schools

Children and young people are referred to independent special schools by Local Authorities, who meet the cost, on the recommendation of Educational Psychologists and Social Workers. The number of children to whom this applies is very small, however, as most have their needs met adequately in Local Authority special schools. If you are a parent who feels that your child's needs are not being met currently in a mainstream school, you are advised to discuss the issues with the Headteacher of your child's school in the first instance. The next step is to seek advice from an Educational Psychologist at your Local Authority.

mild and moderate learning difficulties met in independent mainstream schools

Children who have relatively mild or moderate learning difficulties can be supported in most mainstream independent schools, although the level of learning support provision varies from school to school. Usually, Support for Learning staff work closely with the school's Guidance team, class teachers and parents to ensure pupils receive the best possible support, determined by their needs. Support can be provided in class, individually or in small groups, as appropriate. The most common learning difficulties are with language and mathematics, including dyslexia, and most schools provide help with reading, spelling, study skills, curriculum support and the use of technology. However, a minority of mainstream schools are meeting the needs of children with visual impairments, speech disorders, physical or motor impairments and autistic spectrum disorder. Parents are advised to contact individual schools for specific information.

Links to a number of useful websites that provide guides for parents and young people have been included, on the right.