Posted: 23rd January 2018
Deciding which secondary school you would like your child to attend can be a big decision, particularly if your child has dyslexia. If your child has a SpLD, you will want to be confident that a prospective school understands the nature of your child’s specific learning difficulty and can provide appropriate support.
So how can you go about establishing this?
1. Be clear on your child’s specific needs
2. Be clear on your child’s interests and strengths
3. Be clear on the type of school are you looking for
Once you are clear on what your child requires from a secondary school, you can start researching your options. This may take a little time, but it can really help you to make an informed decision.
Next steps…
Start by looking to see which schools are in your locality. The internet is a good starting point. Look at your Local Education Authority (LEA) website. It will detail local schools and the application process, including dates and deadlines. These are important to note, as applications should be made in a timely manner. In many areas competition for places at schools can be strong, you cannot just presume that your child will be offered a place at your preferred school.
Speak with teachers at your child’s primary school. They know your child well. Can they recommend secondary schools that may suit your child and their specific needs?
Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Speak to parents about their experiences and their child’s experiences.
You may not find a school that perfectly meets all of your requirements, but having a vision and knowing what is important may help you decide between two different schools.
Draw up a shortlist of schools you want to visit.
See the second part of the article How to prepare your dyslexic child for secondary school