With many fantastic SEN schools out there, we’ve created a handy checklist for parents seeking a school that will fully support their child?s specific special educational needs.
A SEN school is a school that specialises in the teaching and care of a child or young person with special educational needs, or has a specific division installed within its teaching to separately cater to those who need extra support.
SEN Schools: 7 Top Tips for Choosing the Right SEN School
Go to a SEN specialist at the first instance
When looking at schools for a child with SEN, consider getting a report from a specialist, such as an educational psychologist, so you have an idea of what is needed to enable them to flourish.
Make the most of open days
Credit: The Unicorn School, Oxfordshire Attend the open day, and arrange to talk to the learning needs coordinator. Ask if the school caters for pupils with similar needs, and how they?re supported.
Ask lots of questions about SEN schools
Find out if prep schools have supported pupils with similar needs and which senior schools they?ve moved on to.
Take website wording with a pinch of salt
School websites look amazing ? and that includes their SEN policies. Don?t take them at face value, though. Talk to senior teachers (and the head, if a prep school) about your child ? they should sound welcoming and enthusiastic. If they don?t, think again.
Check out the pastoral care at the SEN schools that you visit
Schools SEN and pastoral teams should wo...