Choosing the right special needs school for children is no small task, but it’s an important step towards ensuring they receive the right support and education. Special needs children deserve high-quality, individualised teaching tailored to their strengths and challenges. Here at Unity College in Gauteng, we understand your concerns and questions. We believe every child has the potential to achieve great things when given the appropriate tools and a nurturing environment.
Read on to explore how you can find a school that meets your child’s unique needs and why Unity College could be the fit you’re looking for.
What Special Needs Schools Offer
Special needs schools play a pivotal role in assisting children who have barriers to learning due to emotional, behavioural, or cognitive disabilities. These schools implement specialised programmes focusing on remediation in subjects where the child struggles, while also encouraging growth in areas where they may excel.
The ultimate goal is to help students reach their academic potential while nurturing their talents. At Unity College, our curriculum empowers children and young adults to become independent, productive members of society through differentiated teaching methods, and life skills training.
How to Evaluate Teaching for Special Needs
Understanding the quality of teaching at special needs schools is a must for selecting the right facility. Most importantly, teaching for special needs should go beyond subject proficiency. A high-quality special needs school will use specific tools and strategies to empower its students both academically and emotionally. As you evaluate schools, ask the following questions:
- Does the school offer a specialised curriculum? Schools providing special needs education should offer a well-defined curriculum designed to cater specifically to children with cognitive, behavioural, and/or emotional difficulties. At Unity College, we use the DCAPS (Differentiated Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) – a flexible curriculum tailored to the needs of students with special educational requirements.
- Is progress based on personalised learning? Ensure that the special needs school you choose designs educational goals according to each child’s specific abilities. Unity College provides every child with an Individual Development Plan (IDP), which sets realistic academic and personal targets. We revisit these plans and adapt them as necessary every six months, ensuring they continue to reflect the pupil’s progress and needs.
- How practical and hands-on is the curriculum? Practical, hands-on teaching is non-negotiable when educating children with special needs. At Unity College, about 80% of classroom time is dedicated to practical activities, ranging from cooking and art to engaging vocational tasks. We take pride in providing students with real-world skills alongside academics, ensuring that each child’s journey doesn’t end at school but carries forward into independent living and employment.
Why Unity College May Be the Top Choice for Your Child
The right special needs school can make all the difference in your child’s life. Unity College combines small class sizes, specialised curricula, integrated therapies, and extensive vocational training to help every learner become an empowered, independent individual.
Consider Unity College for an environment that nurtures, uplifts, and empowers children with special needs.