Dyslexia Awareness Week 2016 - What are the benefits of a SEN school?

Choosing a new school for your child can be one of the most stressful decisions you will have to make as a parent. But for parents with children who have special educational needs, this decision becomes even more challenging. It is a question of suitability – would a child with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, have their needs met in a mainstream school or do they need to attend an SEN school or independent school?

All pupils who attend a maintained SEN school have a Statement of SEN or an EHCP so the school is geared up to deal with children with learning difficulties. Some SEN schools specialise further, for example providing solely for children with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia. This means the teachers have had more training to deal with these specific learning difficulties and understand the range of complex needs the child may have.

Independent or special schools usually have smaller class sizes and have the ability to offer more one- to- one support. This can benefit a child who requires a greater level of academic or behavioural care. This additional provision and attention can translate into marked progress for children who may have been overlooked or alienated in a mainstream school. The child will also be surrounded by peers who struggle in the same areas of education; this may reduce any anxiety or embarrassment and instead give more confidence to children that they are not alone.

However, SEN schools will not be suitable for every child. Children with dyslexia often do very well in mainstream schools as extra support, such as one- to- one Teaching Assistant and the use of assistive technology, can easily be supplemented into a child’s mainstream education. With the addition of specialist support, protected by a Statement or an EHCP, children with dyslexia can function very well in an integrated classroom.

There is no correct answer to the great schooling debate. It will always turn on the individual needs of the child in question. If the child has very advanced dyslexia it may be more suitable to place the child in a school where they will be surrounded by knowledgeable teachers and support. However, for many children this is not necessary. With provisions put in place many children will still thrive in mainstream schools and will feel more integrated in the wider community.