'Special Needs' / Assistance Education

[Taegan]

I was just wondering if anyone knew how the funding worked for govt vs private schools for 'special needs'. For example, if your child needed extra help in the classroom, whether it be a specialist teacher or whatever - how does this work in private schools?

I know in the government schools - it just happens and you don't have to pay anything, but what happens if your kid goes to private school and then they find out that he/she needs extra help through some specialism? Would the parent have to pay for this 'privately' do you know?

Hope someone out there has some insight ...

[Avatar]

Hi Taegan,

I noticed you haven't received a reply to your post, so hopefully this will bump your question up to receive more comprehensive answers:

Not sure how funding works in private schools but I suspect it really depends on whether or not the school offers a special needs program in the first place. Each school is different, and that includes private as well as public. Some schools are better equipped to deal with special needs that arise. I suspect one cannot assume all public schools have a really good special needs program. Recently when I drove through Mt Ommaney, Brisbane, I noticed there is even a state school specifically for children with disabilities (http://mtommanespecs.eq.edu.au/wcmss/). It is best to research each school individually and see what they offer.

Hopefully someone will provide more input. Good luck!

[Hannelie]

Hi Taegan,

I'm not sure what the situation is in other states but here in the ACT you will pay extra for supported learning in private schools - a WHOLE LOT extra! There may be some government subsidies available that you can access to fund private tuition, depending on the specific disability and the kind of assistance needed (I think some people were able to access some of the "Helping Children with Autism" initiative funds to subsidize classroom assistance but it is probably considered on a case-by-case basis)

Even in public schools you have to jump through hoops to secure the level of classroom assistance that your child may need. It may be paid for by the government but funding is limited and lots of children need some form of supported learning. Living in the feeder area of a school with a good supported learning unit helps, so it is worth investigating individual schools. You may find some more specific info on the Raising Children Network website (http://raisingchildren.net.au/services__support/services_and_support.html)

[GoldCoastGal]

My son has ADHD and SPD. He is at a gov school. He gets extra lessons /reading /tutoring etc and all costs are covered by the school.

I'm sorry I can't help with private schools.

[Kay j]

Hi Taegan

I can only tell you what Ihave found in SE Melbourne. The good private schools have a screening process and don't want to take kids with any special needs. At government schools if the child has special needs they are assessed and if they meet certain criteria they qualify for a teacher aid in the classroom, in many instances fulltime. The private schools i contacted will make some plan for children that are already at the school but will not take them in if they have an existing issues.

[TheBs]

We are at a private (Christian) school in Qld and the school has a learning support program - this supports severe as in ADHD and just minor - our son needed a bit of help with his handwriting.

There is no extra charge at our school and as far as I am aware there is government assistance paid directly to the school.

[Enrica]

Hi Teagan

A friend of mines son is at a private school in Perth. I know she really battled to get him extra support whilst at primary school.

In High school the particular school he is had has a special ed department and he gets that assistance that he needs.

The private schools do not get funding for special needs , so it is very much driven by the parents and funded by the parents them selves as far as I know.

Good luck

[tyde]

I hate to make contraversial statements but the comment about ADHD being a severe special need is just not true for all so please do not make such loaded statements.

There are many children that are ADD and ADHD who function brilliantly under the right medication and supervision at no extra cost to the school, my 6 year old child being one of them.

[TheBs]

Apologies for any offence - this was not meant as a loaded statement - there are several children at our school with severe cases which cause them learning difficulties and they have full time aides with them - this was just as an example. They are wonderfuly incorporated into all the school activities and in Senior Years the aide goes with them to work experience and one young girl even has her aide accommpany her to her traineeship.

[rozellem]

I listen to ABC 702 radio at home through the day, and yesterday they had Dr Bob Jacobs a psychologist specialising in children on. I did not get to hear the entire conversation but he had many theories about ADHD etc. It might be useful for somebody, as I personally think the more information one has the better.

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/0...;section=latest

[tyde]

Sorry too, my kick reaction, I know that you never meant any harm....