Choosing a School for a Child with Special Needs: Book Reviews

Cerebra Newsbeat (Winter , 2011, pg. 14)

There is plenty of information in this book and its methodical approach gives lots of advice to help choose a school for your child.
    The book covers areas such as the different types of school, e.g. special units in mainstream schools, special schools, residential schools, hospital schools and pupil referral units. It also covers specific provision such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, art therapy and music therapy.
    There are sections on how to draw up a list of schools; how to set up a school visit; and what to look for on that visit. Each section comes with a really useful checklist headed "Questions to ask..." so for example Questions to ask about the school nurse; Questions to ask about the classroom environment etc.
    As most parents see making the right choice of school as fundemental to their child's future life, this book is a very good place to start. JP. 

Afasic News (Spring/Summer 2010)

This is a much-needed book written by an educational psychologist, who has vast experience of the special educational needs (SEN) system and the hurdles parent's can face in obtaining appropriate placements and provision for their child.
    The book should help parent's coming to terms with the devastating news that their child has a developmental delay or disorder, examining the difficulties that may affect the child, and the issues to be taken on board when deciding on the type of placement and provision best suited to their child's needs.
    Many parents face barriers when trying to obtain information about the type of help and support they feel their child may need. 'Choosing a School' contains much information and should answer most parental questions. The book is wide ranging, including chapters looking at needs and various types of school provision 1.e. specialist, special, units and mainstream, information on occupational, physio and speech and language therapy is included, together with relevant questions to ask. There is also a chapter on home schooling. At the back of the publication is a section "Evaluating the Findings", where after reading the book and following the advice, parents may record and evaluate their findings.
    All in all I would say this is a 'must have' book for parents of children with SEN. It gives good, clear, practical advice and is empowering.

Sue Webb
Helpline Manager
Afasic

Speech and Language Therapy in Practice (Autumn 2010)

EXCELLENT
The author, an educational psychologist, provides a comprehensive guide for parents in the selection of a school for their child. It gives detailed information on all aspects of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the SEN Code of practice, including the current law, range of educational provision and approaches, as well as the roles of professionals involved in assessment and therapy. She provides useful questions for parents to ask and a checklist to support parents through the selection process, finishing with a handy resources and websites section. This excellent book would also provide students and newly qualified therapists with an overview of the minefield that is SEN provision. It will go straight into our parent's library.

Mel Eltome
Speech and language therapy paediatric team manager in Keighley