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 at independent school
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
More information on special educational needs
View our section on special educational needs in our Parent Zone
SEN accredited schools
An introduction to SEN law
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- Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Independent Schools
- SEN2008 – another successful ISC special educational needs conference
- The Fonz: Not too cool for school
- Independent Schools and Early Years Foundation Stage
- London Borough School Search (Independent schools)
Lara Best Says:
My son is 3 and is deaf and wears hearing aids. He currently has a SEN teacher of the deaf go into his nursery once a fortnight. We have been advised that non of the local schools are suitable for our son, and will therefore have to send him to a private school in September. We have been told that if we gi the private route we will no longer be entitled to SEN teaching support from Bucks council. Is this allowed?
Sarah McKimm Says:
Dear Lara,
Local authorities owe similar duties to children in independent schools as to those in state schools, particularly if there is no maintained school that can meet the child’s needs. There are various sources of free legal advice for parents on the parent zone, SEN section of our website or call me and I will try to put you in touch with someone who can help you. Best wishes,
Sarah McKimm
Education Counsel
Independent Schools Council
Silvia Awor Says:
My 12 year old daughter is dyslexic and also suffers from sickle-cell disease. My local authority has recently refused to carry out a statutory assessment of my daughter’s special educational needs and I am currently preparing an appeal to the tribunal.
I am worried that the decision has been influenced by the fact that my daughter attends an independent school and is therefore, not expected to ask for any assistance from the local authority.
Your confirmation that the local authority owes similar duties to all children, irrespective of the type of school, is of great reassurance to me. Thank you
Matt Hardy Says:
That is brilliant that SEN is being taken as a priority by independent schools as the mainstream schools are still finding it difficult. As schools get more and more over subscribed some kids get withdrawn because they are not loud enough so get lost in the system. According to the Government, around 229,100 children, 2.8% of all pupils have SEN. It is generally accepted that education should come under the provision of national governments.
Maria Candal Says:
Our daughter who has Cerebral Palsy is currently on the nursery department of the same independent school than our son, with 15 hours/week SEN package. We are currently going through the statementing process and we have been told many times that if we want to keep her in this school from Reception onwards( where she has integrated brilliantly) we are opting out to having SEN 1-1 support. What can we do to keep her there and get the support?? Thank you.
louise Says:
My son has been diagnosed with dyslexia and ASD. He is 9 and in an independant school where we placed him at 5, unaware of his problems. At his diagnosis we were told he would be referred to the local ASD team, but then told they would not help him as he was not in a state school. I have recently applied for a statuatory assessment and thought that i would have to move him into a state school in order to access the necessary support when he moves into his secondary school. Your article has made me question whether this is in fact the case and whether he should currently be recieving top up support at his prep school.