The number and variety of programmes catering to children with special educational needs (SEN) have risen significantly in recent years, particularly at international schools.
At King George V School (KGV), for example, special needs education is now offered in two ways. First, by providing individual support for children with attention and general learning-type difficulties, such as dyslexia and Asperger's syndrome. And second, through their on-site Learning Support Centre, which assists those with complex learning and physical disabilities.
All special needs students generally follow KGV's main curriculum but, where necessary, are provided with extra assistance in areas such as literacy and numeracy, explains Carol Saunders, the school's access learning director.
SEN teachers, with the support of an education assistant, ensure that children who require customised learning solutions receive the extra assistance they need, Saunders says, adding that teachers who work with such children should be flexible, patient and 'have a good sense of humour'.
Adaptability, Saunders adds, is particularly important because it is often necessary to change a lesson plan to meet the particular needs of a child at short notice. 'This can happen when a child is struggling with a curriculum topic or distracted by events outside the classroom,' explains Saunders. 'SEN skills are not only about curriculum teaching - they also involve providing social support.'
In terms of the SEN unit's overall standing in the school, 'it is something the KGV senior leadership team views as a priority, and strongly supports through the provision of resources,' says Saunders. The payoff from this investment speaks for itself, she adds, noting that exam results show the programme is clearly having a positive impact on children with individual learning requirements.
KGV currently has eight full-time SEN teachers and 10 education-assistant support staffers, which is quite a force, considering that 10 years ago, the school had just one part-time SEN teacher. Opportunities for advancement are also on the rise, says Saunders, who notes that she is 'very proud of the number of her education assistants who have gone on to become fully qualified teachers.'