SEN provision for children of service families

We were delighted on 13th October 2011 with the announcement of Nick Harvey (the Minister for the Armed Forces). After a careful review of the Continuity of Education Allowance, the government affirmed its commitment to supporting service personnel and their…

A public school education for my child?

You’d be forgiven if the thought of ‘public schools’ still conjured up images of severe headmasters and stodgy lumpy custard but step into an independent school today and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Public school education has evolved into…

They are what you feed them

Last week ISC held its 5th Annual SEN conference, where a number of speakers discussed the many and varied Special Educational Needs with which pupils in our schools are being helped with every day. Learning difficulties such as dyslexia (reading),…

New man, new department and some walk-outs across the water

Given how widely-expected the appointment of Michael Gove as schools secretary was, relatively little was made of it in the press (certainly in comparison to some of the other, more unlikely Cabinet posts allocated). What captured the imagination of the…

Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Independent Schools

It has been estimated that around 20% of children will need some form of extra support during their time at school. For many this will be relatively short-lived, for others it will affect their entire school – and home –…

SEN2008 – another successful ISC special educational needs conference

One of the most popular dates in the busy ISC events calendar is the annual SEN conference for Learning Support Workers, SENCos and Heads from UK independent schools. Feedback for previous ISC SEN events has always been exceptional, and

The Fonz: Not too cool for school

When ISC staff members Hayley Dunlop, Alex Caish and Buffy Sansom attended the Teaching Awards this summer, little did they know they would be meeting The Fonz – AKA Happy Days actor and dyslexia campaigner Henry Winkler. ISC Press Officer…

SEN pupil gets support needed at independent school

Independent 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…

Ofsted regulation.. hands off!

Last week, ISC kicked back against government proposals to make the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) answerable to Ofsted.

At the end of July, just as schools had closed their doors for the summer holidays, the DCSF issued a consultation on…