The traditional one-size-fits-all approach to education has long been a topic of debate, with many arguing that it neglects the unique needs and abilities of children with special needs. These children often find themselves struggling to keep up with their peers, resulting in frustration, low self-esteem, and a lack of academic progress. However, there is a solution: individualised learning plans.
In the UK, the Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan has been introduced to ensure that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need to thrive. However, many parents and educators are still unsure about how to create an effective individualised learning plan. In this article, we will explore the importance of individualised learning plans, their components, and provide practical tips on how to create a tailored plan for your child.
What is an Individualised Learning Plan?
An individualised learning plan is a written document that outlines a child’s specific learning needs, goals, and strategies for achieving those goals. It is a collaborative effort between parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to provide a child with the support they need to succeed academically and personally.
According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), "An EHC plan is a legally binding document that sets out a child or young person’s special educational, health and social care needs and the provision that will be made to meet those needs." (1)
Components of an Individualised Learning Plan
A comprehensive individualised learning plan should include the following components:
• Learner Profile: A detailed description of the child’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning style.
• Learning Objectives: Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that the child will work towards.
• Strategies and Interventions: A range of strategies and interventions that will be used to support the child in achieving their learning objectives, such as assistive technology, speech therapy, or occupational therapy.
• Assessment and Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments and progress monitoring to ensure that the child is making progress towards their learning objectives.
• Transitions and Exit Plans: Plans for transitioning the child to different educational settings or preparing them for adulthood.
Creating an Individualised Learning Plan
Creating an individualised learning plan requires a collaborative effort between parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. Here are some practical tips to get you started:
- Involve the Child: Encourage the child to contribute to the planning process, where possible, to ensure that their voice is heard and their interests are represented.
- Gather Information: Gather information about the child’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning style from various sources, including parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.
- Set SMART Goals: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that the child will work towards.
- Develop Strategies and Interventions: Develop a range of strategies and interventions that will be used to support the child in achieving their learning objectives.
- Regularly Review and Update: Regularly review and update the individualised learning plan to ensure that the child is making progress towards their learning objectives.
Benefits of Individualised Learning Plans
Individualised learning plans have numerous benefits, including:
• Improved Academic Progress: Individualised learning plans help children with special needs to make better academic progress by providing them with the support they need to succeed.
• Increased Confidence: Individualised learning plans help children to develop confidence and self-esteem by providing them with opportunities to succeed.
• Better Support: Individualised learning plans ensure that children with special needs receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally.
• Increased Parental Involvement: Individualised learning plans encourage parents to be more involved in their child’s education, which leads to better outcomes.
Challenges and Controversies
While individualised learning plans have numerous benefits, there are also challenges and controversies associated with their implementation.
• Limited Resources: Schools and educational institutions may not have the resources or funding to provide individualised learning plans for all children with special needs.
• Teacher Training: Teachers may not have the training or expertise to develop and implement individualised learning plans.
• Parental Expectations: Parents may have unrealistic expectations about what individualised learning plans can achieve.
• Accountability: There may be concerns about accountability and how to measure the effectiveness of individualised learning plans.
Conclusion
Individualised learning plans are a powerful tool for providing children with special needs with the support they need to succeed academically and personally. By understanding the components of an individualised learning plan and following practical tips for creating one, parents and educators can ensure that children with special needs receive the support they need to thrive. While there are challenges and controversies associated with the implementation of individualised learning plans, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
References:
- National Health Service (NHS). (2020). Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/practical-tips-if-you-have-a-disability/education-health-and-care-ehc-plans/
- UK Government. (2015). Special educational needs and disability (SEND): a guide for parents and carers. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/special-educational-needs-disability-guide-for-parents-and-carers
- National Association of Inspectors and Advisors for Special Education (NAISSE). (2019). What is SEN? Retrieved from https://www.naisse.org.uk/what-is-sen
- Council for Disabled Children. (2019). Education, Health and Care Plans: A Guide for Parents and Carers. Retrieved from https://www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/education-health-and-care-plans-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers
Recommended Reading:
- The Education, Health and Care Plan Handbook by Allen, G. (2019)
- Special Educational Needs: A Guide for Parents and Carers by Kirby, A. (2018)
- Individualised Learning Plans: A Guide for Teachers and Support Staff by Bowe, R. (2019)
Note: The references and recommended reading list are subject to change and may not be up to date.
