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Difference between mainstream and special needs school

NAS69965

I wanted to know what is the main difference between mainstream and special needs schools.

My child has severe verbal communication difficulties but can talk some. My child won't always sit down. These are the only issues

I have been told special schools have the therapists which benefit children. However, the speech therapist which my child attends told me they only attend the special school once a week

If verbal communication is the only issue, but the understanding is there, are there any more benefits of sending my child to a special school, compared to a mainstream if the curriculum now is learning through play in year 1 and 2

Parents

  • Hi

    I am a teacher in a special school. Yes we have therapists such as OTs and SALTs based in the building - this is super handy for teachers because I can pop and get some advice over a coffee  rather than wait for an email response! But it doesn't mean any child gets any more SALT therapy than their EHC plan states they are entitled to. My advice is firm up what is on the EHC plan and make sure you apply for more hours if that is what you feel is necessary. The usual model in my school (depending on a child's quantification) is that the SALT visits class once a half term per pupil - they assess and work with the child and then set targets and gives clear instructions to the class team to work on those until the next review. It is not the 1:1 therapy model many parents think it is. 

    I would say that each special school is very different. The bonuses are small class sizes, more personalised teaching and teachers who are not constrained and can really focus on the child. The downsides may well be lack of children to socialise with - lots of children dont want this, but if they do it can be tricky if he other kids in class are mainly self contained kids. 

    I would always look at happiness - wherever your child is happy is the right setting for them. Maybe visit some special schools and see what you think? Traditionally I have had a lot of children start in Y2 when MS schools start getting very target focused. I have recently had a Y5 child join me and it amazes me to see how quickly he's settled in and how happy he is  - sometimes when the setting is right the child starts to make very quick progress! 

    If you have any other questions I'm happy to help where i can

  • in reply to Beth CG

    Thank you so much this is very helpful. Do special schools teach an academic curriculum? Also, if I was to send my child to a mainstream can I ask for a speech therapist to attend on the EHC plan, for example say and hour weekly?

    You see my child is beginning to speak but still with significant speech delay so its just hard to know.  He has the capability of learning but just doesn't always sit

    Do you have any suggestions to getting a child to sit without getting up when distracted with something else 

Reply
  • in reply to Beth CG

    Thank you so much this is very helpful. Do special schools teach an academic curriculum? Also, if I was to send my child to a mainstream can I ask for a speech therapist to attend on the EHC plan, for example say and hour weekly?

    You see my child is beginning to speak but still with significant speech delay so its just hard to know.  He has the capability of learning but just doesn't always sit

    Do you have any suggestions to getting a child to sit without getting up when distracted with something else 

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