Questions

Here we have tried to answer the questions parents most often ask us.

If you have a general question about AEN that you would like answered on our website, contact the school office (go to the contact link.)

How can I help my child at home?

Children with special educational needs have extra hurdles to overcome. They will often come home very tired.

There are lots of ways you can help your child.

Offer to 'scribe' (write) part of your child's homework - he or she has to tell you what to write of course! You just write what your child tells you - even if you think the answer is not right. Add a signed note in the exercise book explaining that you scribed part of the work.

Scribing can get a child started, or encourage him to finish a piece of work. It relieves him of the chore of writing so that he can focus on thinking about what he needs to say.

Scribing (amenuensis) is allowed by the exam boards for students who have difficulties that are severe enough to warrant such support in exams. A professional assessment has to be made - this will be offered through the school at the right time if we think a child's difficulties warrant such intervention.

Read with your child or to your child and discuss the book with them. A reader is allowed by the exam boards for students who have difficulties that are severe enough to warrant such support in exams. A professional assessment has to be made - this will be offered through the school at the right time if we think a child's difficulties warrant such intervention.

Show an interest and discuss your childs work with them.

Give lots of encouragement and praise.

How can I get my child to read at home?

Try to help your child find a particular author or type of book that he enjoys. Often books that follow a certain 'formula' are good. The school librarians can advise on what is popular and easy to get in to.

My childs spelling is weak , how can they improve it?

The Learning Support Department run withdrawal tuition for selected pupils who we have asessed as having difficulties with their spelling. We teach children spelling strategies that they must then apply to all work across the curriculum.

Encourage your child to shsre these strategies with you.

My child needs extra help but I don't want him to be teased.

If your child is teased about needing extra help you should contact the Form Tutor or the AEN Keyworker.

We encourage the students to think of having support as their entitlement in order for them to achieve to the best of their ability.