Looking For a School - Helpful Questions To Ask

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

Trying to find a suitable school for your child can be challenging. Deciding on the best school for your child is not a decision you need to make on your own. It's a good idea to talk with a member from the team about what kind of school may be best. Not all of these questions will apply to your child's needs but some may be helpful to use as a guide when talking with a potential school.

General Questions

• What is the size of the school?
• What is the ratio of students to teachers in classes?
• What high schools does this primary school relate to?
• Does the school accept students out of area?
• Are there any students with an acquired brain injury currently at the school or who have previously attended this school?
• Is the school accessible for children in a wheelchair or with movement difficulties (eg. poor balance)?
• How are the play areas of primary school broken up? Are there specific play areas for different years or do all children mix in together?

Progress

• When can I come to the school to talk about my child's progress?
• What ongoing communication is available between myself and the teacher/ therapists?
• What records are kept about my child and do I have access to these?
• Will the teacher contact me if there is a problem?
• What if I have concerns about my child at school?

School Classes

• Are there special classes? (IM - for students with a mild intellectual disability or IO - for students with a moderate/severe intellectual disability)
• Support Teacher - Learning Difficulties (STLD).
• Are there other students with acquired brain injury or other special needs?
• Are any students with special needs in mainstream currently receiving support at this school? If so -
• What integration support do they get?
• How can my child access special assistance?
• Who provides this support? (eg. learning support teacher, teachers aide, parent program, class teacher release).
• How much help can be provided per day? Per week?
• How is help provided - small group, 1:1, withdrawal, help in class
• Is the support reviewed? How is support reviewed & when?
• Can I attend meetings that discuss support for my child?
• Can my child's case manager or therapists attend these meetings?
• Are there special learning programs running at this school, eg. reading program, remedial math groups, self esteem, social, language?
• Is there flexibility for my child to be placed in the most structured environment (given teaching styles between teachers is different)?

Provision of Therapy

• Is therapy available to my child from this school? What is it?
• Where does this therapy come from? How much is it?
• HOW can my child get therapy provided at this school?
• Is the school supportive of The Children's Hospital at Westmead staff being involved in therapy/information giving about my child's brain injury or special needs?

Transition Issues

• Does this school have a Year 7 preparation program for Year 6 students? What does this involve?
• Will my child's therapy & integration support go with them to high School?

Transport and Other School Services

• Is transport available for my child? Department of School Education bus, train, other?
• Is there `before and after' school care at this school? What is the cost?
• If not - where is the closest before and after school care?
• Does before and after school care provide students with assistance with homework?

Behaviour

• What will happen if my child is teased?
• What is the school policy on behaviour and discipline?
• What supervision is available in the playground?

What Other Questions You Would Like to Ask?

Rehabilitation Department The Children's Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 - Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/