How your school can support your learning

HOW YOUR SCHOOL CAN SUPPORT YOUR LEARNING

Feel like you need help to access school and feel more included?

10 ways schools can support you

Here are some examples of the type of support schools can provide. It’s important that your school listen to you and put support in place that meets your needs.

  1. Talking with you about the best way they can support you.
  2. Not only listen to you, but also take action on the things you talk about.
  3. Provide a space for you to go if you need some time out.
  4. Help with digital access so you can learn at home if you’re not able to be in school.
  5. Provide special equipment or technology that helps with your learning.
  6. Give you more time in exams.
  7. Organise an interpreter to help you have your say.
  8. Provide support to get to school, like a taxi.
  9. Make sure there is someone to help you take medicine.
  10. Your school can work alongside other adults who are there to help you, like a social worker, therapist, advocate or other professional who is supporting you.

Why does the right support at school matter?

“When school staff have an understanding of different additional support needs and can understand certain behaviours, it helps them understand why young people may act in a particular way”

Finlay, 12

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE IF YOU’RE NOT GETTING THE SUPPORT YOU NEED…

Talk to an adult you trust.

This could be a parent, carer or someone at school. Share how you’re feeling or what you’re struggling with. If the support you’re getting isn’t working, it’s important to talk to someone about it.

If talking to someone in your school hasn’t helped…

There are other ways to sort out problems. If you’re aged between 12-15 you can get help from My Rights, My Say to make sure the school are listening. They can also help you think about what other steps you might want to take.

The Additional Support Needs Tribunal will look at some disagreements about support plans.

This includes if you think you should have a Coordinated Support Plan (a legal plan, sometimes called a CSP).

If you think your school is treating you unfairly because of a disability…

the Additional Support Needs Tribunal will also hear these cases. To find out more visit their website.

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