Choosing a school for your child is usually a troubling task for every parent, even more so if a child requires a special approach. We are happy to inform you that Best Start Education provides services of selecting best schools for all children including those with special educational needs.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) means a difficulty in accessing education. There is a formal definition for SEN but, in essence, if a child finds it harder to learn than the majority of their peers and continues to struggle despite extra targeted support, then they may have special educational needs. Children with SEN may have difficulties associated with motor skills, sensory or medical needs, communication needs, emotional, behavioural or attention difficulties.
The UK is one of the leading countries in the field of inclusive education of children with SEN. Legislation in the UK prohibits discrimination in education and the British culture fully supports inclusive education, based on coordinated and well-resourced education policies. The most important idea is creating a warm, open and inclusive classroom environment for all. “Inclusive education is about responding to diversity; it is about listening to unfamiliar voices, being open, empowering members and about celebrating ‘difference’ in dignified ways”, – says Professor Julie Allan, a British researcher, whose work encompasses inclusive education, disability studies and children’s rights. There are many specialized schools for children with special needs in the UK. Here, we would like to present you some of the schools based in London.
ABINGDON HOUSE SCHOOL (London)
Abingdon House School provides a whole school approach for pupils who are diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty early on and who would respond well to intense intervention for a short period of time. Each pupil has an Individual Education Plan. This is constructed around the individual needs of the pupil. It can be as much to do with developing strengths, as it is to do with tackling perceived weaknesses.
FAIRLEY HOUSE (London)
A special independent school for pupils aged from 5 to 16 with specific learning difficulties, mainly dyslexia and dyspraxia. Teachers at Fairley House know that children who cannot read and write as well as their peers can lose confidence and give up. Children feel stigmatised when they are withdrawn from class to receive extra help at their existing schools, or feel discouraged when given easier work than their classmates. At Fairley House, teachers believe the solution is to give your child a level playing field; a school where all the children experience similar difficulties. By succeeding, some for the first time in their schooling, children can rebuild their self-esteem and confidence. After two or three years most children return successfully to mainstream schools. The curriculum is dynamic, creative and relevant, while still ensuring that children learn key skills. Occupational and Speech and Language Therapies play key roles in teaching and learning.
BLOSSOM HOUSE SCHO
OL (London)
A special independent school for pupils with speech, language and communication needs, autism spectrum disorders, dyspraxia and dyslexia. The school is based in Motspur Park, New Malden and Euston, London. The site at Motspur Park is for children aged 3 to 19 years while the Euston site currently has children aged 3 to 8 years. Pupils follow the National Curriculum, although some areas need modification to take account of specific learning difficulties. Speech and language therapy is an integral part of the daily curriculum. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and arts therapies are also key areas of the curriculum.
THE RAINBOW SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM (London)
Rainbow School for Children with Autism has two sites. The Spencer Park site caters for secondary pupils and the Garratt Lane site – for primary. Rainbow School is run by BeyondAutism, a registered charity. The charity provides education, outreach, training and support to children and families affected by autism across the UK and overseas. The school is registered to admit up to 64 boys and girls aged between four and 19 years.
PARAYHOUSE SCHOOL (London – Fulham)
A special independent school for pupils with speech, language and communication needs and moderate learning difficulties. The School caters for a maximum of 46 students, aged from 7 – 16 years. Students may enter at any stage of their school career, subject to the School’s admissions policy and where vacancies arise. Teachers and speech therapists work hand-in-hand with parents and children to meet their language, social and learning needs. At Parayhouse School ICT is used to consolidate learning across the curriculum and to aid and promote communication and independence. Parayhouse has a full-time specialist Learning Support Assistant who has trained in Yoga teaching and practice for students with Special educational Needs. A child may choose to engage with painting, drawing, puppets, sand toys, clay, music, drama, stories, play or movement. Art Therapy sessions are one-to-one, with the art materials providing the child with safe, alternative and creative ways to express their thoughts and feelings.
Best Start Education offers a highly personalised level of service for all children and we will be happy to assist you in finding the best solution. Please contact us for professional advice:
Tel. +44 79307 32407
Elena Colquhoun, MSc, PGCE, ACIL,
Director Best Start Education, qualified teacher and examiner