My child has a statement of special educational needs – can they go to any school they want?
Basically, yes. A formal statement of special educational needs means that a child’s needs are recognised and resources will be allocated to their needs.
Also, virtually all schools now abide by the Government’s code of practice which clearly indicated that in terms of admission criteria into schools, a statement of special educational needs should go at point number 1, having the same status as looked after children.
Theoretically then, a school with a really good reputation for SEN could admit a higher proportion than you might have otherwise expected.
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Monday, 23 November 2009
Dinner Ladies - now there's a topic!
My school does not have enough dinner ladies – is there a legal minimum?
The answer to this is not really. Schools are en loco parentis (in the place of parents) and clearly have a duty of care. However, it will be the decision of the Headteacher and Governors to appoint midday staff. It is also true to say that in some areas and in some schools it is an extremely difficult role to fill – the pay is very low and at times they do a ‘thankless’ task! So, it really comes down to interpretation – it is not uncommon for a ration of 1 midday superviser to 50 children but this can operate quite safely if the school is generally a safe and well run place.
Schools also offer training for midday supervisers (or should do) – as usual, if you do have concerns though, it is worth raising these with the school.
The answer to this is not really. Schools are en loco parentis (in the place of parents) and clearly have a duty of care. However, it will be the decision of the Headteacher and Governors to appoint midday staff. It is also true to say that in some areas and in some schools it is an extremely difficult role to fill – the pay is very low and at times they do a ‘thankless’ task! So, it really comes down to interpretation – it is not uncommon for a ration of 1 midday superviser to 50 children but this can operate quite safely if the school is generally a safe and well run place.
Schools also offer training for midday supervisers (or should do) – as usual, if you do have concerns though, it is worth raising these with the school.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Ofsted and the 'Satisfactory' word!
Ofsted reports; what does ‘satisfactory’ actually mean?
In everyday life, if we hear the term satisfactory we tend to assume it is anything but! Not good enough. Whilst it may be true that we would all wish our own school to be judged as good or even outstanding, it should be remembered that satisfactory in Ofsted – speak does actually mean that the strengths are greater than the areas of weakness, it does pass muster!
Actually, when you read the requirements for an Ofsted judgement of satisfactory in terms of a teachers lesson it really is actually rather good. So I think I would sound a note of caution if you receive a report littered with the ‘s’ word – it basically means it’s ok, reasonable, sound – yes, it could do better but there is nothing to be particularly concerned about.
More importantly expect the school and the Governors to draw up a post Ofsted action plan and, hopefully, this will be shared with parents so that everyone in the school community can be involved in making sure that the schools further improves.
In everyday life, if we hear the term satisfactory we tend to assume it is anything but! Not good enough. Whilst it may be true that we would all wish our own school to be judged as good or even outstanding, it should be remembered that satisfactory in Ofsted – speak does actually mean that the strengths are greater than the areas of weakness, it does pass muster!
Actually, when you read the requirements for an Ofsted judgement of satisfactory in terms of a teachers lesson it really is actually rather good. So I think I would sound a note of caution if you receive a report littered with the ‘s’ word – it basically means it’s ok, reasonable, sound – yes, it could do better but there is nothing to be particularly concerned about.
More importantly expect the school and the Governors to draw up a post Ofsted action plan and, hopefully, this will be shared with parents so that everyone in the school community can be involved in making sure that the schools further improves.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
administering medicines to your child
My child requires special medication – I am concerned that the school will not be able to cope with this. This is one I've heard on several occasions.
Schools are increasingly used to having to deal with a range of children’s medical needs – particularly as the drive towards inclusion for all grows and the number of specialist schools and units decreases. Moreover, the rise in asthmatic conditions means that it is commonplace for this sort of medication to be accessible to children throughout the school day. Schools differ in their approaches here – I favour children having access to inhalers and the like in their classroom, but many schools require them to go to the office. Certainly if you have concerns you should raise these. In any event, you should expect that the school with have a clear and concise policy in terms of medication and this will be available for you to see.
Schools are increasingly used to having to deal with a range of children’s medical needs – particularly as the drive towards inclusion for all grows and the number of specialist schools and units decreases. Moreover, the rise in asthmatic conditions means that it is commonplace for this sort of medication to be accessible to children throughout the school day. Schools differ in their approaches here – I favour children having access to inhalers and the like in their classroom, but many schools require them to go to the office. Certainly if you have concerns you should raise these. In any event, you should expect that the school with have a clear and concise policy in terms of medication and this will be available for you to see.
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