Special Needs Policy
INTRODUCTION
This document is a statement of the aims, objectives and strategies for children requiring Special Need support within the Jersey Instrumental Service. A Special Need child is defined as a child who has either not reached their expected potential or who demonstrates great potential.
The Jersey Education Authority guidelines have been taken into consideration and follow the Code of Practice produced by the DFEE.
The JIS has a selection procedure on entry which ensures the suitability of a child for learning a musical instrument, both physically and intellectually.
AIMS
- To identify and meet the needs of Jersey children who apply for instrumental music lessons and who are successful in that application.
- The JIS aims to support those children who are found to need special consideration within their instrumental lesson as far as possible.
- To ensure, where possible, that all children are fully able to take part in lessons and ensemble activities
- To involve the parents and the child in developing a partnership of support, enabling all concerned to work with knowledge and confidence.
OBJECTIVES
- It is JIS intention that all children should be given the opportunity, where possible, to apply to learn a musical instrument.
- That individual needs are provided for within the normal environment of the instrumental music lesson through a differentiated curriculum.
- Children requiring extra support may be those of exceptional ability as well as those of below average ability. Special Needs embraces all children either not reaching, or exceeding their expected potential.
RESPONSIBILITIES
All members of the JIS should work towards the music service aims by being aware of JIS procedures for identifying, assessing and making provision for pupils who need support. They need to be committed to a partnership approach to that provision.
The Management Team work towards these aims by;
- Determining the JIS’s general policy and approach
- Being part of implementing the policy and holding regular evaluations.
The Head of Service works towards JIS aims by;
- Establishing appropriate staffing and funding arrangements where possible
- Providing suitable training when and where possible.
The Co-ordinator for Special Needs works towards the JIS aims by;
- Co-ordinating provision for children who need support
- Liaising with and advising colleagues
- Liaising with outside agencies on behalf of the JIS when necessary(see attached list)
- Keeping up to date with current practices and new developments.
Teachers work towards the JIS aims by;
- Setting realistic targets for the child to aim towards, in discussion with the child, parents and colleagues, as appropriate
- Providing challenging and stimulating Units of Work, designed to enable children to reach the highest standards of personal achievement and meet their potential
- Recognising and being constantly aware of the needs of each individual child in their care, according to ability and aptitude
- Closely liaising with the Co-ordinator for Special Needs and the Head of Service in identification and provision for children who need extra support
- Being willing to pool expertise
Parents work towards JIS aims by;
- Detailing any specific condition their child has on application to the music service
- Being realistic about their child’s abilities and offering their support to both the child and the JIS
- Ensuring that their child attends JIS activities punctually and regularly.
- Participating in discussions concerning their child’s progress.
- Taking an active interest in their child’s lesson by giving due importance to music practice, hearing said practice at regular intervals. Also by ensuring their child attends music ensemble when appropriate.
IDENTIFICATION
The JIS aims to identify some special needs within the application process, relying on parents’ honesty and teacher’s comments in order for us to remain fully informed about a child’s physical and mental ability. As the child progresses with the instrument, any outstanding ability is monitored by the instrumental teacher.
Children are assessed on a regular basis through term reports and special needs will be identified at such times. Discussions will take place with the special needs co-ordinator, Head of Service and parents.
The use of Individual lesson Plans to record the identification of concern and the planned course of action, including targets. These need to be monitored and reviewed regularly.
STRATEGIES
EVALUATING SUCCESS OF JIS SPECIAL NEEDS POLICY
All children requiring support are identified promptly and their needs addressed as soon as possible. Appropriate action will be taken within the constraints of the resources that are available.
The teacher, Special Needs Co-ordinator and the Head of Service take into account the views and wishes of the child and the parent.
JIS and parents work together in partnership.
Work is reviewed regularly. The child’s progress and the view’s of the child and parent are also regularly reviewed.
Parents have full confidence of JIS procedures and express satisfaction.
All staff are committed to the policy.
PARENTAL PARTNERSHIP
Where necessary, parents should be aware of the JIS arrangements for Special Needs.
Parents should be immediately informed if their child is placed in a Special Need category and the JIS is unable to accommodate them at the present moment.
Parents should be offered the opportunity for discussion, transfer of information and consulted in realistic target setting for their child.
Involving parents at home. Advising and informing parents of how they can help support their child’s practice.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Where possible all children will be catered for within the JIS. However, resources will not always allow for inclusion. Staffing constraints, time available in a particular school and practicability with the instrument are all factors that govern this policy.
The JIS undertakes to keep parents fully informed. The parents undertake to keep in full communication about their child and their first point of contact is the Head of Service.
OUTSIDE AGENCIES
- Clark Trust for Jersey born children
- John Lobb Trust
- Dorothy Chapman Trust
- Various outside agencies, including National Youth Orchestras, assessment lessons in UK, courses held off Island.
