Special Educational Needs

St. Michael’s International School recognises that each child is unique and has individual skills and needs, and we strive to help children meet their fullest potential. We are fully committed to meeting the needs of those pupils with Special Educational Needs so far as is reasonably practical and compatible with the available resources at our disposal.

Our Special Education Needs (SEN) programme is led by a qualified Co-ordinator. Part of the Co-ordinator’s role is to help assess the students’ needs and determine provisions our school can provide. Since each child is different, we take a case-by-case approach to students. The support offered may include: in-day support within a small group led by the SEN teacher, special resources and materials being used by the classroom teacher and/or assistant to support learning needs, individual goals to help ensure success and offerings and assistance with the communication link between school and home.

At St. Michael’s International School, we believe that to successfully meet the needs of children with SEN, requires strong partnership between all those involved—parents/carers, children, staff and other agencies. We realise the importance of a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, including clarity of information and good communication. Parents are encouraged to work with the school and other professionals to ensure that their child’s needs are identified properly and met as early as possible. In order that parents play an active part in their child’s development, the school endeavours to provide relevant information so they can reinforce learning in the home.

When a student requires specific and regular one-on-one assistance with academic and/or social challenges, a “shadow teacher” is usually employed by the parents to help deliver an appropriate learning programme.