Every parent wants the best for their child including an education. But what happens when your child has a disability? What choices do you have with your child’s education? Are there questions you need to ask? What are you rights and entitlements under the law regarding education? All great questions that any parent will want the answer to.
Under the Irish constitution the state must provide free education for all children living in Ireland. If your child has a disability the special educational needs organizers (SENO’s) will be able to tell you what schools and places are available that would suit your child’s needs.
Ultimately the decision will be yours. In order to consider any school there are a number of questions you should ask yourself and the school. As parents, of course your concern will turn to whether a local school will be able to meet your child’s needs. What will the quality of education that might be provided for your child by that school?
Factors To Take Into Account.
As parents you will need to be aware, and take into account, several factors including:
What are your child’s needs?
You know your child’s disability best of all. You have gathered the best advise and information about your child’s needs. So use this to help you make your decision.
What is in your child’s best interests?
You know your child best. Use that knowledge to it’s best advantage here in your school choices.
What is your own preference for schooling?
Gather all the information about local schools or the school you want to send your child to. What types of schools are available locally? Does your child need a special school? Is there one attached to a local school?
Does the school have other disabled children attending?
This can be a good indication of school’s ability and understanding of disabilities. You also need to consider if the staff have the education and experience with your child’s disability?
If your child has to travel to school is there transport available?
Is this adequate to meet your child’s needs? How much, if any, will be involved to provide this transport to you?
Other Things To Consider.
Speak to other parents you know who have children attending the school. These parents are a wealth of knowledge and will be able to fill in the blanks.
Speak to the local SENO. Contact details are available on the NCSE website or from the school.
You will probably have an educational psychological report or other professionals report for you child. This report will be useful in making your choice. Don’t be afraid to ask for professional advise. There is no harm in emailing or calling the professional that diagnosed your child and asking for advice.
As parents we also have to be prepared for a no when we apply to a school. This isn’t personal, the school will review your child’s needs and they may decide that they can’t meet those needs. This will help you in making your decision.
Please remember that all schools must publish their enrollment policy. This policy must respect “principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents’ choice” (Education Act, 1998).
Once you have shortlisted of the schools you think will suit your child make an appointment to visit the school and speak with the principal.
What To Do When You Visit The School?
Have a checklist to keep you on track during your visit. Know exactly what you want to get out of the visit. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact have a list of any questions you want ask. We all get nervous and may forget to ask an important question. So having a list will help. Bring a notebook to make notes. Leave yourself enough time. Don’t rush this visit.
Observations And Questions To Ask When Visiting The School.
Be observant while you are in the school. Things to watch out for may include:
- How do the children interact with teachers and staff? Notice how the children interact with one another too. Are the children happy, in the classroom, the hallway and school yard?
- A very practical observation: Is the school accessible to my child? Some older school buildings may simple not be.
- Ask about after school programs, are these available to your child?
Speak to the principal, main class teacher, or year head, your child will have when they first attend and resource teachers if possible. Do this every year before the school year starts.
- Ask about how they will teach?
- Do they just work on your child’s deficits? Or will they work towards bringing out your child’s strengths? Consider the opportunities the school may offer for your child to succeed.
- Ask about the schools behaviour policy. How do the school teachers and staff respond to certain types of behaviours? Ask what kind of training has the staff/teacher received about disability and behaviour?
- What is the school’s policy on medication and on administrating medication?
- Does the school have appropriate toilet facilities for your child’s needs?
Ask about the supports that are available for your child. Will your child have access to a SNA, resource hours,etc?- Do they have a parent liaison officer? If they have a parent liaison officer ask to meet them.
- Ask the school how often do they communicate with parents – weekly, monthly? In what form will this communication take place?
- Does the school communicate with other professionals e.g. educational psychologist, psychiatrist, other professionals as needed by your child? Will you be kept informed of these communications/meetings? If so in what way? Are you able to attend in person? Will you be informed verbally or in writing immediately or at a later stage?
Visit The School With Your Child.
At a later date if possible bring your child to the school to see how they feel. It will be very important to notice how the teachers and staff interact with your child. This is more important to do as your child gets older.
Ask your child how they feel about the school? Can they see themselves coming to this school? Of course your child will be nervous about any changes in school and the new environment they are entering. They will need you to reassure them and soothe their worries. But also take into account your child’s concerns. Don’t push them away. Often times a child may pick up on something we have missed.
A final point to take into account.
As your child develops they may need to have their school needs better met by different schools types. You will need to review your decision as your child develops and grows. It is not usually for a child to move between mainstream school to special school and then back again during the course of their education.
Your child’s rights and entitlements are covered by a variety of acts including these:
The Education Act 1998
Work With Me.
Remember you are allowed to ask for support. No one is an island. If you need extra support then you can also work with me. We all struggle with stress and overwhelm from time to time. If you find this has become a problem for you and you’d like some support then schedule an appointment with me.
Free PDF for parents of child with special needs
https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ChildrenWithSpecialEdNeeds1.pdf
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