Where do you recommend for secondary school that will support my child’s dyslexia best?
This is the question I am asked most in September and October!
It’s actually an impossible question to answer!
Here is why:
🤷♀️ What is right for one child and family isn’t right for another.
🤷♀️ Schools change ALL the time, so how they look now today may have even changed by the time the child starts there!
🤷♀️ What everyone looks for and wants in a school will be entirely different!
So many parents become anxious around this time; they feel underprepared and feel like they don’t have the knowledge to make the right decision… they worry they will make the wrong decision! So here is a list of things I suggest parents consider doing or asking to help make an informed decision on what’s right for their child.
💜 Go and look at all schools that are a possibility. All schools have open evenings – go to these but if you feel you need to arrange to go have a look in the day when they are in action, do it! It will give another view.
💜 If your child is dyslexic or has another learning difference, always meet the senco and check out the SEND department. Ask them to outline what support is available in terms of discrete intervention and in the classroom.
💜 Consider what your child is good at/really likes and their strengths. Music, art, sport, performing, DT, languages … check out that department and its facilities – how will the school foster the development of these skills? What extra curricula opportunities are there in their chosen field?
💜 Is the school academically driven or does it embrace the whole child? … either is fine! What is right for your child and you?
💜 What is the emphasis on pastoral care and emotional support and well being? How is this managed? Is it easy to access and a team of people readily available?
💜 Try not to ask too many other parents their views!!! It can become a bit like a competition and gathering lots of opinions can actually be counter productive because everyone will be looking for something different and their child might not need what your child does.
💜 TRUST YOUR GUT FEELING! It’s strong! Don’t second guess yourself and if it’s different to the people around you that’s totally OK, you know your child best!
So there we go… a few ideas to help you clarify your thinking and formulate a plan!
If you are still in a conundrum and want to talk it through with someone independent, I offer 1:1 online consultations contact me for more info!