Education and Special Educational Needs ProvisionPremature Children
Grace's Outcome... Explained in more detail via FAQ's
It wasn't until year five Primary School that Grace's teacher noticed a problem with her short term memory.
The concerns we had raised in previous years had been dismissed as no cause for concern, and we were told she didn't qualify for any extra help.
Grace finally got a basic assessment which highlighted her problem, however it was too little, too late.
We are now trying to make sure Grace gets adequate provision for her next school, so that no more time is wasted.
Even though Grace's assessment documented her short term memory problem, no extra provisions were made for her secondary school entrance test. Her raw test scores were standardised as an older child of her peers, she subsequently failed to reach the required score.
Along the way we have picked up some useful information which may help other parents...
Most children taking secondary school selection tests are born between 1st September and 31st August of the following year, which means that the oldest children can be nearly 12 months older than the youngest. Older children tend to achieve slightly higher "raw scores" which is why these scores are then standardised to make allowance for this age variation, in order to treat the children fairly.
The effects of age are considered by a complex statistical model for the purpose of standardisation, this will not have taken premature birth into account, as it would be impractical to do so.
The NFER allow extra provision for children sitting secondary school entrance tests that have special educational needs. Schools should make sure this provision is in place before any test is taken.
You cannot standardise a test on a premature child's chronological age, as most but not all will have developmental and cognitive delays. They should be AT LEAST standardised on their gestational age, and all developmental delays should be taken into account with extra provision put in place for subsequent tests.
New for 2008
School Admission Appeals Code and Regulations
The new School Admission Appeals Code and regulations are due to come into force on 17 January 2008.
The admission authorities for all maintained schools and Academies have a statutory duty to act in accordance with the new Code.
All children are legally entitled to an "appropriate and adequate education".
Update - School tests - Extra provision
Does your child have a learning delay or disability? Do they require extra time for their Key Stage school tests? If so they may be entitled to extra test time and or additional provision - Here are some useful links.
For additional time allowances: Assessing Pupils Eligibility KS 2 and 3 - Access arrangements - Additional Time KS2
Assessments - Regulatory framework: National curriculum assessments KS 1-3
Secondary selection test guidelines on arrangements for pupils with special education needs and disabilities - 11+
New guide to school admissions - Published: Wednesday, 2 April 2008 - Children, Schools and Families secretary Ed Balls has announced the publication of a step-by-step guide for parents to the school admission and appeals system.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
In response to enquires from the USA regarding provisions for students with learning disabilities.
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