Every parent wants to make the right choice when providing the best education for their children. Finding the right school can be even more important for children facing learning difficulties or educational barriers.
In South Africa, several remedial schools cater to the unique needs of pupils with learning challenges. This comprehensive guide will explore the factors to consider when choosing a remedial school for your child. It will also highlight Japari School, a renowned institution dedicated to helping students overcome barriers and succeed in their education.
Understanding Remedial Schools
Remedial schools are educational institutions that specialise in providing individualised attention and support to students with learning difficulties. These schools offer targeted interventions to help pupils overcome challenges in reading, writing, mathematics, or language processing. The primary goal of remedial schools is to equip pupils with the skills they need to thrive academically and eventually transition back into mainstream schooling.
Remedial schools are equipped with caring teachers who specialise in giving each student the academic attention they need.
Why should you move to a remedial school instead of a mainstream one?
Choosing a school can be a huge challenge when you are told your child needs extra help in remedial education.
If you have been told that your child needs extra help in remediation, the best thing you can do is put your child in a remedial school where specialised teachers and facilities are geared to support your child.
Many mainstream schools will not refer their pupils to remedial schools. They will keep their remediation in-house. This can cause many issues. Mainstream schools do not have the facilities or specialised teachers that remedial schools have to address specific learning challenges.
By keeping your child in a mainstream setting, you could delay their remediation, which may negatively impact your child’s confidence to keep up with their peers and do well academically.
Mainstream schools work in a fast pace environment and pupils that cannot keep up get put into extra or special classes. These classes can take time out of your child’s day or can (remove) isolate them from other pupils, making it difficult for them to cope in a mainstream setting. In our previous blog, we explained these two scenarios.
Japari offers the facilities and individualised schooling to help pupils succeed and grow.
Why should a pupil move to a remedial school when told they have learning challenges?
When children are told they have learning challenges, considering various educational options, including remedial schools, are important.
However, the decision to move a child to a remedial school should be based on carefully considering their needs, preferences, and available resources.
Why moving to a remedial school is beneficial
Specialised support
Remedial schools have smaller classes and specialised teaching methodologies tailored to address various learning challenges. They have educators trained to work with pupils with specific learning needs, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and ADHD. These schools can provide targeted interventions and strategies to help children overcome learning challenges. Mainstream schools have larger classes that move at a fast pace, it is easy for a pupil to stay caught up in these settings.
Japari School has small classes with a maximum of15 learners per class. The Foundation Phase classes have intern teachers that assist pupils during lessons or when they need something to be explained to them again.
Individualised attention
Remedial schools typically offer personalised attention and individualised learning plans. This allows educators to adapt teaching methods to match each pupil’s unique learning style, pace, and strengths. By focusing on the specific areas where a pupil may struggle, they can receive more targeted support to develop skills and bridge learning gaps.
In a mainstream setting, teachers move with the pace of the class and do not have time to slow down for pupils struggling to keep up.
At Japari school, small classes allow teachers to pay special attention to pupils and ensure that every child receives the attention and help they need. No one is left behind, and if a pupil is struggling with something, our teachers will sit down with them and explain it in a different way.
Peer support
Pupils attending remedial schools will find themselves in an environment surrounded by peers with similar challenges. This sense of belonging and understanding can be empowering and create a supportive community. Interacting with others facing similar obstacles can boost self-esteem, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide opportunities for shared learning experiences.
Integrated support services
Remedial schools such as Japari School have access to various support services, namely speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or counselling, provided within or in collaboration with external professionals. This comprehensive approach ensures that pupils receive holistic support to address their academic, social, and emotional needs.
At Japari School, we understand the unique needs of our pupils with learning challenges, and we strive to provide comprehensive support to help them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We do this by offering various therapies during their schooling days.
Our approach ensures pupils can stay caught up with their classwork while receiving the necessary therapies. Education and therapy go hand in hand, and we prioritise balancing both aspects of our pupils’ development. Our dedicated team of educators and therapists work collaboratively to create a seamless integration of therapies into the students’ daily routines.
Parents should note that the school fees do not include the cost of therapies. However, we have made arrangements to facilitate reimbursement from medical aid. This means that parents can claim back the expenses for their child’s specific therapies, making it more affordable and tailored to individual needs.
What sets Japari School apart from other remedial schools is our commitment to providing accessible and personalised therapy options. We understand that every student has unique challenges and may require different therapies. Rather than charging for a one-size-fits-all therapy package, we offer a range of therapies, and parents only pay for the specific therapies their child needs. This approach allows us to focus on targeted interventions and ensures families have more control over their expenses.
Japari School strives to provide a nurturing environment where pupils can reach their full potential by combining quality education, individualised support, and a flexible therapy model.
Reduced stigma
Children with learning challenges may face stigmatisation or bullying in mainstream schools due to their differences. Moving to a remedial school can provide a more inclusive environment where students accept and value each other for who they are. This can lead to increased self-confidence and a positive attitude towards learning.
It’s important to note that the decision to move a child to a remedial school should be made in consultation with educational professionals, such as teachers, special education experts, and psychologists, who can assess the child’s specific needs and guide the decision-making process. Every child is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. The goal should always be to provide the best possible educational environment that supports the child’s learning and development.
Why Choose Japari School?
Individualised Approach: Japari School recognises that each child is unique and requires personalised attention. We develop individual learning plans for pupils, focusing on their strengths while addressing their challenges.
Qualified and Experienced Staff: The teachers and therapists at Japari School are highly trained professionals with expertise in remedial education. They are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all.
Multisensory Teaching Methods: Japari School employs various multisensory teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. Incorporating visual, auditory, and sensory techniques ensures pupils receive a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Comprehensive Support Services: Japari School offers various support services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, and social skills training. These services are integrated into the curriculum to address pupils’ needs and facilitate their growth and development.
Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities: Japari School recognises the importance of a well-rounded education. In addition to academic support, they offer a variety of enrichment programmes and extracurricular activities to foster students’ interests, talents, and social skills.
Collaboration with Parents: Japari School believes in establishing a strong partnership with parents and guardians. They encourage open communication and regular progress updates and involve parents in reviewing individualised education plans. This collaborative approach ensures parents actively engage in their child’s educational journey.
Positive School Culture and Inclusion: Japari School fosters a positive and inclusive school culture. Pupils feel safe, supported, and accepted. We promote a sense of belonging, create an environment that celebrates diversity, and encourage pupils to embrace their unique strengths.
Conclusion
Choosing the right remedial school for your child is a crucial decision that can significantly impact their educational journey and future success.
Japari School is an excellent choice for parents seeking a remedial school that prioritises pupils’ individual needs. Japari aims to help them overcome barriers and learning difficulties. We provide an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Remember that every child is unique; finding the right remedial school may require careful consideration and research. By exploring your options, asking questions, and visiting prospective schools, you can make an informed decision supporting your child’s growth, development, and educational success.
Additionally, it is essential to involve your child in the decision-making process. Talk to them about their needs, preferences, and concerns. Visit potential remedial schools together, allowing your child to understand the environment and interact with teachers and students. Their input and comfort level is vital in choosing the right school to meet their unique requirements.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek advice and recommendations from professionals. For example: educational psychologists, therapists, medical experts or parents with children in remedial schools. Their insights and experiences can provide invaluable guidance and support in decision-making.
References
- Van der Westhuizen, B. (2021). What should parents know about remedial schooling? https://www.eduexcellence.co.za/post/things-parents-should-know-about-remedial-schooling.
- Shone, L. (2019). Going the remedial route. https://getitmagazine.co.za/ballito-umhlanga/blog/2019/10/25/going-the-remedial-route/.
- Rawe, J. (2022). What are remedial programs? https://www.understood.org/en/articles/remedial-programs-what-you-need-to-know
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35427853
- https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-07-17-as-third-term-begins-the-crisis-of-broken-schools-remains-unresolved/
- https://www.timeslive.co.za/ideas/2017-12-07-abysmal-state-of-sa-education-is-a-crisis/
- https://acton.org/public-policy/educational-choice/school-choice-con/americas-public-schools-crisis-and-cure-chapter-1
- Especially disadvantaged communities: https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education-k-12/reports/2016/01/26/129547/a-look-at-the-education-crisis/
- As seen in USA: https://japari.co.za/remedial-education/
- Private schools: better pass rate and could save SA: https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/family/public-vs-private-schooling-these-are-the-facts-7559017
- https://www.fin24.com/Finweek/Opinion/private-schools-might-just-save-sa-20170316
