If your child is not coping in a mainstream school, you may want to consider a remedial or alternative school, which offers smaller classes and specialised teaching.
But, how do you know when to move your child and which schooling option to choose? We share what information is needed to apply to an alternative school and how to make the best choice for your child to help them fulfil their potential and shine bright.
Read our article on the pros and cons of mainstream schooling for children with special needs.
when and why to make the switch
If your child is challenged by a mainstream schooling environment, despite therapy interventions, such as occupational therapy, play therapy and more, and is unhappy happy or frustrated, and the school keeps setting up meetings between you and the educators, then you should look at options for an alternative school.
Orion College is a remedial and assisted learning school in Randpark Ridge. Barbra Robinson, principal at Orion College’s primary school, says: “Each child is unique. Sometimes, they need extra support, help and care to reach the stars. So, look at alternative school options – ones with smaller classes, specialised teachers and therapists – to help fill the gaps so your child can reach their potential.”
what’s needed when applying to an alternative school
Before you look at any schools, tick off the below requirements, which will also help you decide which alternative school is best suited to your child’s needs.
- Book an eye test at an optometrist to check their eyesight, tracking, visual integration and more.
- Have their hearing assessed at a hearing specialist.
- Book your child for a psychoeducational assessment with an educational psychologist. This will identify cognitive and academic strengths and gaps based on their age.
- Book an assessment by an occupational therapist (OT) and speech therapist (ST) or get a report from your current OT/ST.
- Seek advice and recommendations from a paediatric neurologist on the way forward.
making the choice
You can spend a lot of time going on tours of schools that don’t fit your child’s needs. Try to be clear about what you want from an alternative school. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
- “Traditional” school, cottage school or specialist school?
- Remedial, assisted learning or blended?
- Is occupational therapy, speech and play therapy available? Is this an add-on or part of the school’s offering?
- Are extramurals with a school sports field, tennis courts and swimming pool important?
- Does the school have three or four terms and doe these align with the rest of the family?
Before you book a tour, ask questions about the type of school, enrolment fee, extramurals and the number of in-house therapists. Remember to confirm that the school is registered if you have chosen a cottage school option.
When you’ve narrowed down your selection for an alternative school, share the options with your occupational therapist or play therapist and ask for guidance.
crunch the numbers
When you look at the school fees, work out if therapies and extramurals are included or if there are hidden costs.
“At Orion, we believe therapies are a core part of what helps fill the gaps and remediates a child, which is why we have nine therapists with everything included in our school fees,” says Robinson. “That means the parent can drop their child at school and pick them up after extramural activities, knowing all their therapy needs have been met. There’s no need to schedule extra appointments or pay extra costs. We find this reduces the load on the family who often have to balance the needs of their other children and family.”
Read more about financial planning for differently abled children.
tax rebates can help
You can claim a portion of your medical aid, school fees and other expenses when your child has been diagnosed with a disability. Diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, epilepsy and dyslexia, among others, are included. You will need an educational psychologist or a paediatric neurologist to complete an ITR-DD form. This must be submitted to your tax consultant with supporting invoices and documentation.
Lelani van Blerk, managing director at Omnilutions – a solutions-based financial management and administration service provider – comments on tax rebates: “Be careful when reading articles on the internet. Talk to your tax consultant and financial planner when looking at school fees. The first year is the most challenging, with tax rebates offsetting some costs for year two onwards.”
