The Independent Schools Council is a politically independent, not-for-profit organisation representing 1,270 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children. It exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education, developing talent at all levels of ability and from all backgrounds.
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SEN pupil gets support needed with help from the ISC
Written by Sarah McKimmIndependent schools are often branded the preserve of the rich and talented. But, in fact the sector caters for those of all levels of ability and often provides ideal settings for those with special educational needs.
I am touched to have received thankyou letters and flowers from a grateful parent, head and SENCo of an ISC girls school in South London.
The school had given a full bursary, a few years ago, to a brilliant, potentially high achieving, young woman with Asperger’s syndrome. As she grew into adolescence, however, she also developed a severe eating disorder. The combination of obsessive perfectionism and depression led to a pattern of self-harming behaviours, even at school.
The school was able to provide a small, nurturing, single-sex environment with a low staff:pupil ratio that would not have been available in local state schools. They were convinced that they were the best place for this very vulnerable child. But, while 100% committed to meeting her devastating combination of special educational needs, they were struggling to fund the additional support the pupil needed to stay safe and to access the curriculum.
An application was made for a Statement of SEN with a view to the local authority providing “top-up” funding for a one-to-one supporter. The authority was extremely reluctant to recognise any duty towards the young person, despite her high level of need, as she was in an independent school.
Having met the SENCo and head over coffee at the ISC SEN Conference in November, I was able to be on hand to guide them through the ensuing dispute which has now been settled without recourse to the courts. The authority continues to insist that “we don’t have to do this,” but nonetheless has agreed to fund a full-time one-to-one assistant for the pupil through a Statement of SEN.
Speaking to the SENCo this week, she said that they have managed to recruit a marvellous assistant and the whole situation has “lifted”.
The Head wrote: “ I am quite sure that we would not have achieved this result without you. It is good to know that we have such professionalism supporting us.”
Sarah McKimm
Education Counsel
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Author Profiles
Alex Caish
Alexandra joined ISC in November 2006. She was educated at Clifton High School, Bristol and at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1999 with a Masters degree in Politics. She then completed the postgraduate NCTJ qualification at Lambeth College, London. Alexandra has worked in the field of media relations for six years, namely for Sky News and two international corporate law firms.
Andy Cook
Andy is an award-winning journalist, editor and publisher working on titles in construction, financial services and manufacturing sectors. Immediately prior to joining ISC, Andy was a digital strategy director with one of Britain's largest publishing groups. He is married to a primary school teacher and has two daughters one of whom was educated at an independent girls school.
Laura Hooper
Laura joined ISC as Office Manager in August 2006, and was promoted to Senior Information Officer in May 2007. She deals with enquiries from UK and international schools, parents and students. She was educated at James Allen's Girls' School and The University of Manchester, graduating in June 2006 with first class honours degree in Economics & Social Studies, specialising in Politics & Social Policy. In her final year, she was awarded the Rogers Prize for work of distinction in Social Policy.
Sarah Tunstall
Sarah joined ISC in June 2005. She was educated at James Allen's Girls' School and at The University of Liverpool. After graduating with a first class degree in Music, Sarah became Advertising Manager, Publisher and then Publishing Director at Newsquest Specialist Media, winning the UK's top Business Magazine publishing award (PPA Business Magazine Publisher of the Year). She is Managing Director and acting Chief Executive Officer.