OVERVIEW MAKING SENSE OF THE LANGUAGE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FINDING A SCHOOL MAKING A GOOD START WITH A NEW SCHOOL WORKING WITH SCHOOLS

SCHOOLS SPECIAL EDUCATION GRANT (SEG) Lump sum available to a school that is dependent on roll and decile rating. Schools have flexibility in how they use this. Used to fund students who dont get individually funded. ONGOING RESOURCING SCHEME (ORS) Highest one percent of needs including physical, sensory, intellectual disabilities Funding covers teacher aide, part time teacher and specialist support services (Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists/ Special Education Advisors, Advisors on Deaf HIGH HEALTH NEEDS Funding for students whose health needs would otherwise prevent them attending school. This funding is to perform physical care tasks not to support learning. HIGH LEARNING NEEDS (was Supplementary Learning Support) Students less needy than students with ORS.

SCHOOLS Special needs and use of SEG All kinds of needs that mean extra support is needed Includes gifted and talented in many schools May be used for teacher aide, or for teacher support for classes, groups or individuals Often used to purchase resources, sometimes to fund assessments Can be available to students with physical or emotional needs as well as those with learning needs

SENCO Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) Co-ordinates support to special needs in the school Often leads meetings Liaises with other agencies, services Best first point of contact in a primaary school

INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN Individual Education Plans (IEPs) For students who have difficulties in several areas and need support beyond the normal class programme Home and school develop goals which may be academic, social and behavioural or physical / sensory. You may invite a support person or specialist who works with your child You may ask for an IEP or similar if your child has significant difficulties because of his/her arthritis

OTHER SERVICES Resource Teacher Learning and Behaviour Teacher or SENCO may refer when the school is uncertain of how to proceed Works with the team around the child Could work with your child if issues interfered with learning in some way Moderate Physical Disabilities Service Schools can refer to this service when a student has fine or gross motor skills issues May provide a consult service or ongoing support from a Physiotherapist and / or Occupational Therapist

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY Ministry of Education provides laptops, iPads and software. Where students can write much more easily using technology When students are on an RTLB roll or receiving SEG support For students with arthritis, technology use may reduce fatigue through the day

SECONDARY SCHOOLS Several layers of support for students Year Level Dean will work with any student who has issues, and is usually responsible for transitions and class placements Learning Support (or similar name) for students with a variety of more severe needs. HOD Learning Support Guidance Counselor deals with emotional needs

FINDING A SCHOOL Need to check which schools have enrolment schemes. When visiting a school Ask to speak to the SENCO as well as principal Ask to see classrooms in action Ask about and note physical terrain / challenges If your child is vulnerable physically, ask about staff able to assist Check inclusion policy: lip service or reality? If you have safety concerns about your student coping, as what if..questions

HELPING YOUR CHILD MAKE A GOOD START When your child begins at the school Allow plenty of time for transition check on possible supports and adaptations Visit when the school is quiet so your child can explore Build relationships so you have credibility if things go wrong COMMUNICATE necessary information to all staff who need it Negotiate who you will contact and when What you will expect to know about the day, or any incidents