Choosing a school is for a child with SEND can be an overwhelming task. Most parents start by looking at their local schools to see of they can meet their needs, then specialist provisions maintained by the borough and then also private schools. Some of my friends have also looked at or decided upon residential schools. Some have worked out, some have been hard work and some have not.
If you are thinking about this for the first time it is a huge step - your child will be living there, meeting and spending time with a host of new people and peers, faced with new challenges and spending a lot of time away from home. It could that it is happening as part of a phase transfer between key stages, or schools or out of alternative provision or even just because you think suddenly think it might be right for your child. Whatever the reason,the right school should make them and you feel safe, supported and comfortable to know they have the opportunity to grow in their own way.
Each child is very different and the exact needs that they will need from a school will be different too. But there are some consistent things that are a starting point for all. What things might we look at?
A Focus on Well-being and Pastoral Care
Before you look at curriculum guides or facilities, find out how the school looks after its students. A supportive school should have a strong pastoral care system that gives students someone to turn to when they need help. This might include house parents, residential staff, tutors or other trusted adults who know students well.
Ask how the school supports students' mental health and general well-being. Are counsellors available on campus? How are students supported when they feel stressed, homesick or overwhelmed? It’s also worth asking how staff notice when a student may be struggling, particularly if they aren't able to communicate well.
Pay attention to how easy it is for you to get access to this support for you child. A long list of services means little if referrals take a long time. You could also ask how staff build relationships with students and keep parents informed when concerns arise.
Academic Support Systems
Every student learns differently, and a supportive residential school has systems in place to handle various learning styles and needs. Just because my child has SEND does not mean that they should not be stretched when they can be - even if it is several years behind their expected age progress. Yes, small class sizes are common in private schools, but what else is standard and how does it fit into your child's identified needs?
The goal of individualised academic support isn't just about academics, but teaching students to become confident, independent learners. A school that invests in these resources shows it's committed to every student's journey.
A Vibrant and Inclusive Community
A supportive residential school builds a strong sense of community where every student can find their place. This often comes from a rich and varied extracurricular program. Look for a wide range of clubs, sports, and arts programs that appeal to our child's interests.
The positive effects of extracurricular activities are well-known, helping students build confidence and feel connected to their school. An inclusive community makes every student feel like a valued member, which is key to their happiness and overall success.
Open Communication with Parents
Sending your child to a residential school means placing a great deal of trust in others. A supportive school honours that trust by keeping communication with parents clear, consistent, and open. Of course there should be a strong school-parent partnership and you should never feel out of the loop about your child's progress or well-being. You can ask about the school's communication policies. How often can you expect updates from teachers and advisors? Is there an online parent portal where you can see progress and reports?
A Focus on Well-being and Pastoral Care
Before you look at curriculum guides or facilities, find out how the school looks after its students. A supportive school should have a strong pastoral care system that gives students someone to turn to when they need help. This might include house parents, residential staff, tutors or other trusted adults who know students well.
Ask how the school supports students' mental health and general well-being. Are counsellors available on campus? How are students supported when they feel stressed, homesick or overwhelmed? It’s also worth asking how staff notice when a student may be struggling, particularly if they aren't able to communicate well.
Pay attention to how easy it is for you to get access to this support for you child. A long list of services means little if referrals take a long time. You could also ask how staff build relationships with students and keep parents informed when concerns arise.
Academic Support Systems
Every student learns differently, and a supportive residential school has systems in place to handle various learning styles and needs. Just because my child has SEND does not mean that they should not be stretched when they can be - even if it is several years behind their expected age progress. Yes, small class sizes are common in private schools, but what else is standard and how does it fit into your child's identified needs?
The goal of individualised academic support isn't just about academics, but teaching students to become confident, independent learners. A school that invests in these resources shows it's committed to every student's journey.
A Vibrant and Inclusive Community
A supportive residential school builds a strong sense of community where every student can find their place. This often comes from a rich and varied extracurricular program. Look for a wide range of clubs, sports, and arts programs that appeal to our child's interests.
The positive effects of extracurricular activities are well-known, helping students build confidence and feel connected to their school. An inclusive community makes every student feel like a valued member, which is key to their happiness and overall success.
Open Communication with Parents
Sending your child to a residential school means placing a great deal of trust in others. A supportive school honours that trust by keeping communication with parents clear, consistent, and open. Of course there should be a strong school-parent partnership and you should never feel out of the loop about your child's progress or well-being. You can ask about the school's communication policies. How often can you expect updates from teachers and advisors? Is there an online parent portal where you can see progress and reports?
Parents and schools can clash especially when their are specific needs and requirements. What is the schools process for working with parents and what can you do if you feel your child's needs are not being met?
Last thing I suppose. As you compare schools, look for one that sees your child as an individual rather than expecting them to follow the same path as everyone else. The right environment should help your child build the skills and confidence they need for whatever might come next. If you have any good feedback, please share in the comments or get in touch.
Last thing I suppose. As you compare schools, look for one that sees your child as an individual rather than expecting them to follow the same path as everyone else. The right environment should help your child build the skills and confidence they need for whatever might come next. If you have any good feedback, please share in the comments or get in touch.
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