What does the Education Act say in regards to catering to the special educational needs of children?
The 2011 Education Act, Division 4 (21:1) states, ‘The Chief Education Officer shall provide special education programmes for students whether of compulsory school age or older, who by virtue of intellectual, communicative, behavioural, physical or multiple exceptionalities are in need of special education.’ Division 4 (21:2) continues, ‘A student who is entitled to a special education programme shall have the programme delivered in the least restrictive and most enabling environment …’
What provisions are there in Anguilla’s schools to cater to the special educational needs of children?
Learning support centres/units
Presently, provision is made to cater to students with moderate and severe learning difficulties in two ofAnguilla’s primary schools. One of these centres is based at theAdrianT.HazellPrimary School. This centre accommodates students with moderate learning difficulties.
The other based at theOrealiaKellyPrimary Schoolcaters to students with severe learning difficulties.
Each centre is manned by a lead teacher and a teaching assistant (s) and accommodates up to twelve students. Thus providing a smaller teacher/student ratio than in the mainstream classrooms. This is necessary so that students can have more individualized support with their lessons. Teachers are expected to adjust their teaching strategies and curriculum content to address the specific learning needs of students.
Units at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School.
Learning support centres/units for students with learning difficulties also exist at the ALHCS (Campus A and Campus B). Some students from the primary schools may still require long term support at high school after leaving these schools. To this end, these units continue to cater to students specific educational needs.
Workshop Initiative for Support in Education (WISE)
This programme is geared to assist students who have behavioural problems or chronic learning problems to complete their education. The main aim is for each student to graduate with a Caribbean Council School Leavers Certificate (CCSLC). To enable students to achieve this, the centre is obligated to provide them with training, equipment and certain basic needs. Students can become part of WISE through self-referral or referral by ALHCS or the Department of Social Development.
The Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) at Campus C
This being another initiative of the ALHCS caters to students from Forms 1 to 3 with ‘varying emotional and /or behavioural difficulties.’ The unit’s motto is “Success through Perseverance and Self-Discipline.”
Occasionally, students from Form 4 may also be admitted. The PRU offers support for students who are at risks of suspensions and/or permanent exclusion. At this unit, students are provided with ‘another chance’ to continue their education and to change or improve their deviant behaviour. Like the other centres, the main aim is the re-integration of students into mainstream school. However, this might not be possible for some students.
Are there private centres that cater to the SEN of children?
Presently, there is one – The Blossom Centre. It is dedicated to servingAnguilla’s children with special needs – giving them hope for the future. This centre is an initiative of The Arijah Children’s Foundation which was established in 2006. It is “a special place where childhood can blossom and capacities and skills are awakened, nurtured, and strengthened enabling every special child to develop their potential.” Children who attend this centre receive an education and therapy to help them to learn to walk or talk.
Would you like to volunteer your services?
From time to time persons are needed to assist with simple tasks such as reading to and with students, seatwork assignments, as well as other tasks the teacher may specify.
Persons who would like to volunteer their services at any of these centres can contact these centres at the following numbers. Your services would be highly appreciated.
Adrain T. Hazel Primary 497-6348 WISE 497-7372
Orelia Kelly Primary 497-2888 Blossom Centre 476-3105
Campus A 497- 2416 Campus B 497- 0551
PRU Campus C 497-8444
Contributed by Violet Martin
Special Needs Educator
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
