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Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel Anonymised Evidence Submission
(7)
Dear Deputy Doublet
I just heard briefly on the radio something about a review into SEN provision in Jersey. I've tried to look on the gov.je site for more information but was unable to find anything so thought that, before the school holidays start and I forget, I'd drop you a quick line.
The point which I wanted to be considered is that of the special educational needs of our most able children. We are quick to provide for those whose CATs scores are below average and with those 30 points below considerable provision is granted. However, it would appear that very little, if anything, is provided for those with a score 30 points above average. With the recent report into A Levels resulting highlighting the fact that Jersey's brightest pupils are not performing as well as their UK counterparts I would hope that this area would be explored too in your consultation.
A special school is provided for those whose needs fall within the lowest 2% (?) but what about the top 2% of the island? We assume the current system will meet their needs but is that correct? Should students with like minds not have greater opportunities to come together, to challenge each other and have time thinking and working at higher levels or be given opportunities to go off-island and meet with others. It's imperative that we keep these youngsters motivated and challenged. Organisations like Potential Plus (http://www.potentialplusuk.org )advocate for this kind of provision in the uk and provide support for students, parents and teachers.
When considering the S.E.N. provision in the island please don't forget the needs of our most academically minded students too.
Many thanks