Are you tired of watching your child struggle in a one-size-fits-all education system? Do you feel like their Individualised Education Programme (IEP) is nothing more than a box-ticking exercise? You’re not alone. Thousands of parents in the UK are seeking alternative solutions to provide their children with the bespoke education they deserve.
As a parent, you know your child best. You understand their strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. However, navigating the complex world of special educational needs (SEN) can be daunting. In this article, we’ll explore the best strategies for tailoring your child’s education with an IEP, including unconventional approaches that might just change the game.
Understanding the Importance of IEPs
Before we dive into the strategies, it’s essential to understand the purpose of IEPs. An IEP is a legally binding document that outlines a child’s special educational needs and the provision required to meet those needs. The SEND Code of Practice (2015) states that IEPs should be "person-centred, focusing on the child or young person’s needs, aspirations and outcomes" (para 9.54).
A well-crafted IEP should:
- Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses
- Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals
- Outline the provision required to meet those goals, including adaptations and accommodations
- Establish a system for monitoring progress and reviewing the IEP
However, many parents feel that IEPs are often generic and don’t reflect their child’s unique needs.
Strategy 1: Collaborative Working
Collaborative working is key to creating an effective IEP. This involves working closely with your child’s teachers, SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), and other professionals to identify their needs and develop strategies for meeting those needs.
As a parent, you have a vital role to play in this process. Don’t be afraid to share your concerns, ask questions, and seek clarification. According to the SEND Code of Practice (2015), "parents and carers should be involved in the development of the EHC (Education, Health and Care) plan, including the assessment and planning process" (para 9.21).
- Be proactive: Attend meetings, ask questions, and share your concerns
- Develop a relationship with your child’s SENCO and teachers
- Encourage collaborative working among professionals
Strategy 2: Personalised Learning
Personalised learning is an approach that focuses on tailoring education to meet the individual needs of each child. This involves understanding your child’s learning style, strengths, and weaknesses, and developing strategies to support their learning.
As the National Autistic Society (NAS) notes, "children with autism often have a unique learning style, which may involve using visual aids, structured routines, and hands-on activities" (NAS, 2020).
- Identify your child’s learning style: Are they a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner?
- Use multisensory approaches: Incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities into their learning
- Provide choices: Offer choices and involve your child in the decision-making process
Strategy 3: Adaptations and Accommodations
Adaptations and accommodations are essential components of an IEP. These refer to changes made to the learning environment or the way information is presented to support your child’s learning.
According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), "reasonable adjustments" should be made to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access to education (EHRC, 2018).
- Identify potential barriers: What are the potential barriers to your child’s learning?
- Develop adaptations and accommodations: Work with your child’s SENCO and teachers to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers
- Review and revise: Regularly review and revise the IEP to ensure that the adaptations and accommodations are effective
Strategy 4: Using Assistive Technology
Assistive technology (AT) can be a powerful tool in supporting your child’s learning. AT refers to any device or software that helps to overcome barriers to learning.
As the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) notes, "technology can be a liberating force for people with dyslexia, providing tools to assist with reading, writing, and organisation" (BDA, 2020).
- Explore AT options: Research and explore different types of AT, such as text-to-speech software and speech-to-text software
- Trial AT: Trial different AT options with your child to identify the most effective solutions
- Integrate AT into the IEP: Work with your child’s SENCO and teachers to integrate AT into their learning plan
Strategy 5: Considering Alternative Provision
For some children, mainstream education may not be the best option. Alternative provision, such as homeschooling or specialist schools, may be more effective in meeting their needs.
As the Homeschooling Information Centre notes, "homeschooling can provide a tailor-made education that meets the individual needs of each child" (HIC, 2020).
- Research alternative provision: Explore different types of alternative provision, such as homeschooling and specialist schools
- Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks: Weigh up the pros and cons of alternative provision
- Discuss with professionals: Discuss alternative provision with your child’s SENCO and teachers to determine the best option
Conclusion
Tailoring your child’s education with an IEP requires a collaborative and flexible approach. By working closely with professionals, using assistive technology, and adapting their learning environment, you can provide your child with the bespoke education they deserve.
Remember, every child is unique, and their IEP should reflect that. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and advocate for your child’s needs. With the right support and strategies, your child can thrive and reach their full potential.
References:
- British Dyslexia Association (BDA). (2020). Assistive Technology. Retrieved from https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/assistive-technology
- Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). (2018). Reasonable Adjustments. Retrieved from https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/non-statutory-guidance/reasonable-adjustments
- Homeschooling Information Centre (HIC). (2020). What is Homeschooling? Retrieved from https://www-home-ed.info/what-is-homeschooling/
- National Autistic Society (NAS). (2020). Education. Retrieved from https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/education
- SEND Code of Practice (2015). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/397899/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf
Please note that this article is a suggestion and you should always seek professional advice when it comes to your child’s education and well-being.
