CHOOSING A SCHOOL

Choosing the Right School for Your Child with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

For every parent, selecting the right school for their child is an important decision. This choice can be even more complex for parents of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

It is essential to find a school that provides appropriate support and ensures that your child receives a quality education in an inclusive environment, in accordance with the Education Regulations of the Ministry of Education and Youth, Jamaica.
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An Inclusive environment will provide the appropriate support your child needs.

School SEN Provision

When considering a school, gather as much information as possible about its approach to supporting children with additional needs. Schools in Jamaica are required to outline their SEN provision within their SEN Policy and SEN Information Report, which should be accessible on their website or available upon request. These documents should include:

  • How the school identifies and assesses children with SEN.
  • How the school engages parents and involves them in decision-making regarding their child’s education.
  • The roles and responsibilities of teachers, SEN coordinators (SENCOs), and support staff in catering to students with SEN.
  • How the curriculum is adapted and the school’s approach to teaching children with SEN, including reasonable accommodations as per the Jamaican Ministry of Education’s Inclusive Education Policy.

Parents may find the following questions useful when discussing their child’s needs with the Principal or SENCO at the school:

1. Staff Expertise and Support

  • What training have staff received in understanding and supporting Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), such as dyslexia?
  • Are there staff members with specialist qualifications in SpLD?
  • If the school does not have SEN specialists, how does it access specialist services provided by the Ministry of Education or other relevant agencies?
  • How are all staff informed and trained to support children with SpLD?
  • What measures are in place to support my child’s overall well-being, including emotional and social development?
  • How will the school ensure my child is included in extracurricular activities and school events?

2. Teaching and Learning Approaches

  • How are dyslexic students supported in the classroom?
  • How is specialist teaching delivered—within the classroom, in small groups, or through individual support?
  • How does the school monitor and measure progress for students with dyslexia or other learning difficulties?
  • What additional access to assistive technology (ICT tools) and specialised learning resources are provided to support dyslexic students?
  • How does the school assess for Exam Access Arrangements and ensure students understand how to use them effectively?

3.Ensuring an Inclusive Education

Jamaican schools are required to comply with the Ministry of Education’s guidelines on inclusion, ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, receive equitable opportunities for learning. Parents should feel empowered to ask these questions and advocate for their child’s needs to ensure they receive appropriate accommodations, interventions, and support. 

For more details on SEN policies in Jamaica, visit the Ministry of Education and Youth website or contact their Special Education Unit.
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