Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our prospective parents ask us the following questions:
Where is Appleford School exactly?
How are the children’s needs are met when they are in classes?
Can you put me in touch with other parents?
How many teachers are specially trained to work with SpLD students?
Are you BDA (British Dyslexia Association) approved?
What is the school's Inset (Training) policy for class teachers, and special needs staff?
How rigid is the school's approach to the National Curriculum?
What is the preferred teaching approach: formal, informal, practical, topic based, or multi-sensory?
What access to and training for ICT do dyslexic pupils have?
Is access to extra-curricular activities restricted in any way?
What resources and equipment are available?
How is special teaching delivered: in class, by withdrawal, individually or in a small group?
What learning skills development programmes and structured multi-sensory literacy and numeracy programmes are used?
Can I see a typical Individual Education Programme?
What does the ‘SP’ mean?
We are in the Military. My son has dyslexia. I've heard that the MoD will pay my son's school fees?
Where is Appleford School exactly?
On the edge of Salisbury Plain, in the small village of Shrewton, 12 miles from Salisbury.How are the children’s needs are met when they are in classes?
We have a whole school approach to dyslexia using research-based programmes and resources. All members of staff demonstrate the ability to meet the needs of dyslexic pupils within their departments.Can you put me in touch with other parents?
Yes, just call 0800 135 7314, we would be happy for you to speak to parents of current and past Appleford pupils.How many teachers are specially trained to work with SpLD students?
All of our teachers are SpLD qualified or in the process of gaining a qualification.Are you BDA (British Dyslexia Association) approved?
YesWhat is the school's Inset (training) policy for class teachers, and special needs staff?
We are proactive and encourage continuous professional development as courses become available.How rigid is the school's approach to the National Curriculum?
The full National Curriculum is taught, differentiated to meet individual needs.What is the preferred teaching approach: formal, informal, practical, topic based, or multi-sensory?
A combination of all of these approaches is used, but always in the appropriate child/dyslexic-friendly manner.What access to and training for ICT do dyslexic pupils have?
We have excellent resources here. At last count, 28 computers in two rooms and others dotted around the school.Is access to extra-curricular activities restricted in any way?
No, an extensive range of activities and after-school clubs are available to all.What resources and equipment are available?
An extensive range of computers, interactive whiteboards, spelling programmes, reading programmes, and other resources are available. We have a fully equipped science lab, two computer suites, an art block and a sports hall.How is special teaching delivered: in class, by withdrawal, individually or in a small group?
All of these. As our groups are very small, individual needs can be addressed in the classroom so withdrawal is not the norm apart from OT/SALT.What learning skills development programmes and structured multi-sensory literacy and numeracy programmes are used?
English and Maths are based on aspects of the NC, the NLS and NNS using appropriate resources and techniques for a dyslexic child.Can I see a typical Individual Education Programme?
Termly targets are set for English, Maths, PSHE.What does the ‘SP’ mean?
It means Specialist Provision: that the school is established primarily to teach pupils with dyslexia. The curriculum and timetable are designed to meet specific needs in a holistic, co-ordinated manner with a significant number of staff qualified in teaching dyslexic pupils.We are in the Military. My son has dyslexia. I've heard that the MoD will pay my son's school fees?
The MoD can help with fees to pay for the education of your child through the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA). For children with Special Educational Needs (including Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and others; there are 2 further subdivisions of the Allowance – Dyslexic Unit (DU) and Special School (SP) Allowances. DU claims are normally for 1:1 tuition perhaps one or 2 per week, whilst SP means a whole school approach to the problem.
If you think your child has a specific learning difficulty, you should talk to the class teacher and find out what support your child is receiving.
If the child needs a higher level of support you should obtain a Schools Information Pack and CEA Entitlement Certificate (EC) from the MOD Children’s Education Advisory Service. At this stage you should check with your unit admin office whether you are entitled to claim CEA.
Once you know you child’s needs and that you are entitled to claim CEA you should look at a number of school to try and find the right school to cater for your child’s needs. You will have to arrange for an assessment by Dyslexia Action; the assessment cost may be recovered from the MOD. The assessment will measure a range of skills such as word recognition, spatial awareness, short and long term memory, visual perception etc. These tests will identify strengths and weaknesses in your child's learning and provide the basis for designing an appropriate teaching programme.
Once a school has been selected the serviceman or woman completes the CEA EC and submits the forms to his admin office and CO for countersignature.
For children attending SP schools CEAS will request a school report every year and further Dyslexia Action reports every 2 years for the renewal of the certificate. The cost of this Dyslexia Action report should be refundable.
You should be aware that the CEA is constantly under review by the MOD.