Archive

Bullied? Help advice and support for you and your child

Virtually all children have arguments at some time, these may be verbal or result in 'fisticuffs', this is usually just part of normal childhood behaviour. It does not mean they are bullies, being bullied or will become bullies. Fall-outs often reflect frustrations or misunderstandings and children often quickly make-up and become friends again, but what happens when the spats turn to bullying? (Article published 28th May 2013)

Can my child afford university?

£27,000 in fees, plus accommodation, living and travel costs. With such eye-watering headline costs, how can teenagers in England afford a university education? 2012 saw the first intake of undergraduates faced with tuition fees of up to £9,000 per year in England. Despite reassurances from government the knock-on effect is self-evident with applications down 6.6%. (Article published 12th February 2013)

Saving for school fees

With the financial markets in turmoil, city bonuses slashed, unemployment topping 2 million and, in some areas, more than a third of pupils failing to get a place at their first choice school, the need to plan for school fees has never been greater. We look at the all-important questions you need to ask and possible savings routes. (Article published 2nd June 2008)

School obituaries

Girls’ schools, prep schools and even the occasional boys’ or co-ed school have been closing at the rate of half-a-dozen annually for several years now. Because recession tends to affect independent schools a couple of years late, we expect such closures to continue. Is there anything parents can do to avoid being caught in a crash? (Article published 2nd June 2008)

Stop apologising for caring about scholarships

Richard Cairns Headmaster of Brighton College observes: Prospectuses abound with girls dancing, boys scrumming and children generally doing everything but think. It has become unfashionable for heads to care about the stretching of minds. Or at least to admit to caring. (Article published 18th January 2009)

Sussing out a nursery: on a visit

You've picked the ideal location, and chosen the type of setting, you think will be perfect for your child but how do you know if they're really up to the mark - or even what 'the mark' should be? A good nursery will actively involve your child in work and play. The really great ones make learning such fun children will be fired up, enthused and engaged. Time spent researching,  before you sign on the dotted line, is time well-spent. (Article published 31st July 2012) 

Trusts and school fees

Very few savings products or accounts can be held in Flora or Rufus's own name - in fact, only children's bank accounts, friendly society savings plans and NS&I Children's Bonus Bonds are eligible. (Article published 2nd June 2008)

Choosing a school

• 10 reasons to choose an independent school

  Times may be hard yet, despite the odd private school closure, reports show the independent school sector is remaining resilient and robust. An independent school education remains highly prized and sought-after. We  take a look at the key reasons why, even in hardtimes, parents are prepared to put school fees first. (Article published 9th December 2009)

• Asked to leave?

  Every year more than a few children are asked to leave their fee-paying school prematurely. We’re not talking about the kids who flash their knickers on Facebook, attempt to assassinate the science teacher, or sell ‘black’ for bucks. No, invariably it’s the ones with learning difficulties or social problems, whose results may cause the school to tumble down the league tables or whose learning needs challenge the limitations of ‘run-of the mill’ teachers. (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Choosing a state grammar school

  Entry to top performing state grammar schools is more competitive than ever and forward planning is essential. Results are good; grammar schools regularly top state school league tables with results not too far adrift of those in the independent sector... but considering their selectiveness and middle class bias, some do not perform as well as many, less selective, independent schools. (Article published 12th December 2008)

• Faith / Religious schools

  There are many schools within the UK for those with faith and their dominance of published league tables has led to an unprecedented rise in demand. (Article published 2nd June 2008)

• Free schools - how do you choose?

  Is someone near you putting together a Free School? It's a very tempting prospect: a school that is created by its community,  that you can play a part in shaping, that suits you rather than the educational establishment. (Article published 29th August 2011)

• How to choose a UK boarding school

  Each school as unique as your child? Give a great deal of thought to what sort of character you want your child to turn out to be. Do not be taken in by charming heads or their marketing genies entertaining you with Power-Point presentations and handing out videos (always taken on sunny days and always displaying the best of everything). (Article published 14th May 2008)

• Improving English language skills - Tutorial Colleges

  Tutorial Colleges are aimed at mature students (aged 16+) whose ultimate aim is to attend a British University. Tutorial colleges are private academic institutions that offer schooling on the fringes of mainstream British education and are typically a cheaper option than International Study Centres. You tend to see a lot of Tutorial Colleges marketing their wares at British Council 'Study in the UK' exhibitions. (Article published 2nd June 2008)

• Independent schools admissions - it's not just ability to pay

  All things being equal, always have a go at the school you think is right for your child. Even those independent schools you have been told are jam-packed may have a place. Don’t restrict yourself to trying at the ‘normal’ entry periods. Dare to try mid-term and mid-academic year or even the day before term starts. If you get a no, don’t be afraid to try again.

• Starting school

  The best days of their life? Every September thousands of youngsters take the first tentative steps on an education journey that will shape their future. 'There's nothing quite like your child's first day at school, that gut-twisting feeling when your four-year-old waves you goodbye and sets off on the road to independence.' Elizabeth Grahamslaw A Parents' Guide to Primary School). (Article published 20th August 2010)

• Sussing out independent schools and horses for courses

  You've identified possible schools, now what? Every single reference book on schools indulges in advice on how to find and choose the perfect school. Lists of questions tend to make headteachers bristle but going in as a parent can be daunting. (Article published 2nd June 2008)

• What parents look for when choosing a school

  Academic achievement, proximity.... but forget religion. A survey of parents by The Good Schools Guide has revealed that parents’ top criteria in choosing a school for their child is its academic performance, followed by how close the school is to their home. (Article published 23rd March 2012)

• What price boarding?

  It's not just the financial outlay... Most people are aware that, for the vast majority of boarding schools hefty fees and extras are a given, but what about the hidden costs? The social, the emotional? (Article published 14th May 2008)

Curricula and exams

• 11+ and 13+ maths - what your child should know

  It was the lack of a grasp of simple probability that led expert witnesses to conclude wrongly that mothers, with more than one child who had suffered a cot death, were guilty of murder. (Article published 9th March 2009)

• Eleven plus maths - frequently asked questions

  I was taught things like ‘cross multiply’ and to multiply by 10 put a zero on the end– will these help my child? We answer your questions and explain why tricks of the trade are not always the best tools... (Article published 9th March 2009)

• Help with 11+ English - the basics

  Help and answers to frequently asked 11+ English questions provided by Katherine Hamlyn author of the best selling 11+ English; A Parent's Toolkit. (Article published 9th March 2009)

• Life skills qualifications

  An educational charity, ASDAN currently works with approximately 6000 educational centres around the globe and with learners of all ages from primary to post 16 and beyond. (Article published 17th April 2013)

• Preparing your child for the 11 plus

  The 11 plus is still used in both the state and independent sectors. While much of the country abolished the 11 plus several decades ago a few local authorities – including Buckinghamshire, Kent, Birmingham, North Yorkshire and some London boroughs – still use it for their (highly competitive) grammar school entry. (Article published 13th January 2014)

• Teach your child 11+ maths

  Children, who are supported in their studies by parents, can make great strides both in performance and a confidence. How you help your child depends on your own interests and confidence; if you enjoy maths and are fairly confident about your ability to enthuse and inspire there is no reason why you shouldn't do a bit of home tuition.  If in doubt, leave teaching maths to the professionals and make your task one of reassurance and encouragement.

   

Special Education Needs

• Behavioural difficulties - BESD

  Behavioural emotional and social difficulties (BESD) describes a wide range of conditions including: withdrawn, depressive or suicidal attitudes; an obsessive preoccupation with eating habits; school phobia; substance misuse; disruptive, antisocial and uncooperative behaviour; and frustration, anger and threat of or actual violence. (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Behavioural difficulties - OCD ODD CD

  Obsessional, aggressive, defiant the characteristics of a typical teenager, or cause for concern and alarm? How do you spot the difference between a child who is 'pushing the boundaries' and one with genuine difficulties? (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Behavioural disorders - case histories

  It is obviously difficult to assess the time and costs to support children with ADD/ADHD, but one thing is clear: learning difficulties accompanied by behavioural issues take up a great deal of both. (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Cerebral Palsy

  As a result of muscle weakness and spasticity, a child with cerebral palsy will often appear clumsy when walking, talking, using their hands or carrying out everyday tasks and activities such as using scissors, jumping, painting, with resultant health and safety implications. (Article published 11th June 2008)

• Choosing a school - high level support

  When it comes to choosing a specialist school beware of schools that offer all things to all people. What is the head’s attitude, and what are the children like? There is simply no excuse for any school to have low expectations and dulled kids. If a school says they will take special measures for a child who is obviously going to be treated differently from the others, examine carefully how they will do that. (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Choosing a school for SEN - on a visit

  Special educational needs and their associated problems are as wide-ranging and individual as the child. If you decide to visit a school, allow at least half a day, longer if your child will be boarding or has more complex needs. Be prepared to visit a school on more than one occasion. (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Choosing a school: first steps for SEN

  Few things cause so much angst for parents as finding the right school for their child. Once offspring have been through the system most parents wise up to what’s really on offer, how good a school actually is; what they really want for their child. (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Choosing SEN provision

  Ultimately what matters, is getting the most appropriate type of schooling at the right time and having a choice available. The choice of provision for children with learning difficulties and disabilities isn't necessarily static. While some children will remain in one type of provision throughout their school career others do not. Some parents choose a special school first, to get the added input and early intervention that will help their child cope in a mainstream school later. Others find mainstream primary school ideally suited to their child with SEN, but opt for special provision at secondary level. (Article published 6th June 2008)

• Does my child have special educational needs?

  ... or are their difficulties part of 'normal childhood'? A child may be considered naughty, a fidget, a daydreamer - symptoms of everyday childhood, but  also ones that can conceal underlying special needs. Some develop coping strategies... You don't need a formal diagnosis to request help for your child. If you suspect your child has a 'learning difference, difficulty or has a disability' or you're just worried, seek advice. (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Epilepsy

  Most children with epilepsy attend mainstream schools and do not require any additional provision, aside from special consideration or understanding. Epilepsy is the tendency to have recurrent seizures originating in the brain as a result of excessive or disordered discharge of brain cells. Some children with severe epilepsy may need to attend a special school, of which a limited number exist. (Article published 11th June 2008)

• Finding SEN Schools

  Finding schools that provide for particular educational or medical needs on this site...Choosing a school for any child can be difficult. When the child also has an SEN decisions are frequently harder to reach. We haven't found a school that suits all talented athletes, exceptional academics or gifted musicians. In the same way we will never uncover a school that fits all children with hearing impairment, specific learning difficulties or other SENs. (Article published 5th June 2008)

• Getting reading right - a case study

  Leighton Primary School, Crewe has high levels of deprivation but low levels of Special Educational Needs / SEN. Phonological awareness and language proficiency are needed to develop decoding and phonics skills but a child will struggle to develop phonological awareness skills if language has not developed. (Article published 27th July 2012)

• Living with ADHD

  From purgatory to pride: a parent’s experience of ADHD: 'No one teaches you how to be a parent, let alone of a child like ours. Our son has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Looking back, it hasn’t been an easy road, but he’s now enjoying life to the full, as a bright and sensitive 8-year-old in a mainstream school – some of our strategies must have paid off ...' (Article published 8th June 2008)

• Living with Cerebral Palsy

  There is great debate about where a child should be educated. I have been to both special and mainstream schools. I believe, regardless of disability, a school should explore you as well as you exploring it. Howard Sanders was born with cerebral palsy. Here he describes his experiences of both mainstream and special schools and his desire to experience normality. (Article published 8th June 2008)

• Managing attention deficit disorders ADD / ADHD

  Educational support such as special help from a trained teacher outside the child’s class plus extra help within the class can enable a child to remain in mainstream school. (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Moderate learning difficulties - MLD

  The majority of children with MLD are educated in mainstream schools, with provision made for additional help and support appropriate to their needs. However, often, by secondary school age, the gaps between children with MLD and other learners have widened to such an extent that the child may find the demands of secondary education too stressful. (Article published 10th June 2008)

• Problems associated with dyspraxia

  On first glance, children with dyspraxia may not seem different from other children around them, until they are asked, perhaps, to do a co-ordination task at speed. Passing the ball in football might, literally, trip them up and the child may land in a heap on the pitch, and end up being the target of others’ laughter. (Article published 10th June 2008)

• Schools for the hearing impaired

  Debate rages over the best educational route for children with SEN, even for seemingly similar children, with very similar conditions. If a child is profoundly deaf, should they attend a special school for the hearing impaired or be educated alongside hearing children in a mainstream school and who, ultimately, should decide? (Article published 8th June 2008)

• SEN Admission To UK Independent Schools

  When a child has known special needs, interview and assessment are the norm. This is to make sure school and child are a good match, and to consider any further adjustments needed to existing provision, if the school is to successfully meet the child’s needs. So what hurdles should you expect to encounter if your child has mild to moderate special educational needs? (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Severe learning difficulties - SLD

  Children with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) are likely to find it difficult to understand, learn and remember new skills. As a result they will have problems with both the acquisition  of skills and their application to new situations. Additional problems with a number of social tasks, such as communication, self-care and awareness of health and safety, may mean they require supported living. (Article published 10th June 2008)

• Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

  Spina bifida meaning split spine, occurs very early in pregnancy. The neural tube, which should develop to form the spinal cord, brain and spine, is split and one or more vertebrae fail to form properly. A gap appears, the bones do not close round the spinal cord and the nerves may bulge out on the unborn baby’s back and become damaged. About 80 per cent of people with spina bifida have hydrocephalus. (Article published 11th June 2008)

• Ten signs your child may have special educational needs

  The SEN system may be in a state of flux but don't let bureaucracy prevent you seeking help for your child. It's thought that approximately 20 per cent of children have special needs at some point during their school life. Many parents remain uncertain as to whether their child has an SEN or just a difficulty that they'll outgrow. Some SENs are obvious - physical disabilities or gross misbehaviour from an early age - others are not.

• The Special Needs Register

  Often, the first a parent hears of his or her child not coping as well as expected is when the teacher suggests placing the child on the special needs register. This can cause great alarm and upset, but it shouldn’t. Placing a child on the register doesn’t mean the school thinks your child is stupid or naughty; indeed sometimes children on the special needs register are also on the register of gifted and talented children. (Article published 9th June 2008)

• Unit and resourced provision for SEN

  Bridging the divide? A greater understanding of special needs and improved resources means that, for many children, it is no longer a straight choice of being educated either in a special school or a mainstream school. Boundaries have blurred with a continuum of provision is available. (Article published 6th June 2008)