Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our prospective parents ask us the following questions:
Where is Appleford School exactly?
How are the children’s needs are met when they are in classes?
Can you put me in touch with other parents?
How many teachers are specially trained to work with SpLD students?
Are you BDA (British Dyslexia Association) approved?
What is the school's Inset (Training) policy for class teachers, and special needs staff?
How rigid is the school's approach to the National Curriculum?
What is the preferred teaching approach: formal, informal, practical, topic based, or multi-sensory?
What access to and training for ICT do dyslexic pupils have?
Is access to extra-curricular activities restricted in any way?
What resources and equipment are available?
How is special teaching delivered: in class, by withdrawal, individually or in a small group?
What learning skills development programmes and structured multi-sensory literacy and numeracy programmes are used?
Can I see a typical Individual Education Programme?
What does the ‘SP’ mean?
We are in the Army. My son has dyslexia. I've heard that the MoD will pay my son's school fees?
Where is Appleford School exactly?
On the edge of Salisbury Plain, in the small village of Shrewton, 12 miles from Salisbury.How are the children’s needs are met when they are in classes?
We have a whole school approach to dyslexia using research-based programmes and resources. All members of staff demonstrate the ability to meet the needs of dyslexic pupils within their departments.Can you put me in touch with other parents?
Yes, just call 0800 135 7314, we would be happy for you to speak to parents of current and past Appleford pupils.How many teachers are specially trained to work with SpLD students?
All of our teachers are SpLD qualified or in the process of gaining a qualification.Are you BDA (British Dyslexia Association) approved?
YesWhat is the school's Inset (training) policy for class teachers, and special needs staff?
We are proactive and encourage continuous professional development as courses become available.How rigid is the school's approach to the National Curriculum?
The full National Curriculum is taught, differentiated to meet individual needs.What is the preferred teaching approach: formal, informal, practical, topic based, or multi-sensory?
A combination of all of these approaches is used, but always in the appropriate child/dyslexic-friendly manner.What access to and training for ICT do dyslexic pupils have?
We have excellent resources here. At last count, 28 computers in two rooms and others dotted around the school.Is access to extra-curricular activities restricted in any way?
No, an extensive range of activities and after-school clubs are available to all.What resources and equipment are available?
An extensive range of computers, interactive whiteboards, spelling programmes, reading programmes, and other resources are available. We have a fully equipped science lab, two computer suites, an art block and a sports hall.How is special teaching delivered: in class, by withdrawal, individually or in a small group?
All of these. As our groups are very small, individual needs can be addressed in the classroom so withdrawal is not the norm apart from OT/SALT.What learning skills development programmes and structured multi-sensory literacy and numeracy programmes are used?
English and Maths are based on aspects of the NC, the NLS and NNS using appropriate resources and techniques for a dyslexic child.Can I see a typical Individual Education Programme?
Termly targets are set for English, Maths, PSHE.What does the ‘SP’ mean?
It means Specialist Provision: that the school is established primarily to teach pupils with dyslexia. The curriculum and timetable are designed to meet specific needs in a holistic, co-ordinated manner with a significant number of staff qualified in teaching dyslexic pupils.We are in the Army. My son has dyslexia. I've heard that the MoD will pay my son's school fees?
The MoD can help with fees through the Special Educational Needs – Allowance (SENA). If you think your child has a specific learning difficulty, you should talk to his class teacher and find out what support your child is receiving. You will have to arrange for an assessment to be carried out privately, (for which there will be a charge), by a qualified Educational Psychologist (EP) who is independent of the school. Appleford School provides this assessment service.
The EP will carry out a number of tests to measure a range of skills such as word recognition, spatial awareness, short and long term memory, visual perception etc. These tests will identify strengths and weaknesses in your child's learning and provide the basis for designing an appropriate teaching programme.
If your child is in a boarding school and is diagnosed as having a specific learning difficulty you can apply to Service Children's Education (SCE) (UK) for SENA. Your initial application should be forwarded to SCE (UK) enclosing a copy of the EP's report, which must be less than one year old, details of the boarding school and any other supporting documentation. If your child qualifies for the award you will be issued with a certificate. The certificate should be attached to your Boarding School Allowance claim form and presented to your Pay Office. This certificate will also state if the cost of the EP’s report can also be reclaimed.
If your child does not qualify for SENA, the cost of the EP’s report cannot be reclaimed, nor the costs of any extra tuition.
For new claimants with children at a boarding school SENA is payable for a maximum of 2 years. If, after 2 years, the learning difficulty persists you may be eligible to move your child to a specialist school that continues to attract SENA. You should seek advice from SCE(UK).
If your child goes to a specialist boarding school, (SCE(UK) can advise you of these) you can claim SENA for as long as the child attends the school and the need exists.
If your child has a statement of special educational needs issued by a Local Education Authority (LEA), and you wish your child to attend an Independent boarding school, you may still be eligible for SENA, but parents should talk to SCE(UK) first.
At the end of one year a detailed school report is required in order for us to assess that the need for extra tuition still exists.
SCE(UK) will provide a proforma which can be sent to the school for the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, (SENCO) to complete which will ensure that SCE(UK) is supplied with the necessary information.
A copy of this report from the SENCO at the school, should be sent to SCE (UK). If the learning difficulty continues a SENA certificate will be issued for a second year. The certificate should again be forwarded to your Pay Office.
For children attending specialist schools SCE(UK) may request a further EP report for renewal of the certificate. The cost of this report will be refundable.
You should be aware that the SENA is constantly under review by MOD and must not be regarded as an on going educational subsidy but a support for a special educational need whilst the need exists.