How to Navigate Remedial School: Your Child’s Journey Redefined

As a parent, it’s distressing when you realise your child is unhappy, frustrated, and not coping in their current educational environment. You may have explored various avenues – homeschooling, mainstream schooling, occupational therapy, play therapy – yet challenges persist. This often leads to the question: when is it time to consider a remedial school in South Africa or other alternative schooling options?

Many parents find themselves unsure where to begin when their child needs more specialised support. “Each child is unique. Sometimes, they need extra support, help and care to reach the stars,” says Barbra Robinson, the Primary School Principal at Orion College. “Looking at school options with smaller classes, specialised teachers and therapists could help to fill the gaps so that they can realise their potential.”

This guide offers suggestions, inspired by advice from Orion College and other experts, to help you navigate this journey.

Understanding the Need: Why a Remedial School Alternative Might Be Necessary

Children may struggle for various reasons, including specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia (affecting reading and language), dyscalculia (affecting maths), dysgraphia (affecting handwriting), Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These conditions can make it hard to keep up in a traditional classroom setting, even with dedicated homeschooling efforts.

Recognising the signs is the first step:

• Persistent academic struggles despite effort and support.
• Growing frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem related to schoolwork.
• Feedback from educators or therapists suggesting a more specialised environment.
• Difficulty with social interaction or emotional regulation in a larger school setting.

If these resonate, it might be time to explore remedial schools that offer tailored special needs education in South Africa.

Essential First Steps: Gathering Information

Before you start touring schools, some groundwork is essential. This information will not only be required by schools but will also help you clarify your child’s specific needs.

1. Professional Assessments:

• Eye Test: Book a comprehensive eye test with an optometrist who can check for visual tracking, integration, and other issues beyond basic eyesight.
• Hearing Test: An assessment by a hearing specialist or audiologist will rule out or identify auditory problems.
• Psycho-Educational Assessment: This is a crucial step. Conducted by an educational psychologist, this comprehensive evaluation identifies cognitive strengths and weaknesses, academic skill levels, and potential learning disabilities. It provides a detailed profile of your child’s learning style and needs. You can find registered educational psychologists through the Educational Psychology Association of South Africa (EPASSA) (www.epassa.net).
• Therapy Reports: Obtain current reports from your child’s occupational therapist, speech therapist, or play therapist if they are already receiving support. If not, assessments in these areas may be recommended based on the psycho-educational assessment.
• Paediatric Neurologist: In some cases, a consultation with a paediatric neurologist might be advised.

These assessments provide the data needed to make an informed decision about the best educational path and whether a remedial school is the right thing for your child.

Deciding on a Remedial School Model: Key Questions to Ask

With assessment results in hand, you can start thinking about the type of school. “You can spend a lot of time going on tours of schools that don’t fit your child’s needs. Try to be clear about what you want,” advises the team at Orion College.

Consider these questions:

• Cottage School, Specialist School, or “Traditional” School with Support?

• Cottage schools are typically smaller, often with a home-like environment, and may offer more individualised attention. It’s vital to confirm their registration status with the Department of Basic Education if this is a route you consider.
• Specialist/Remedial School like those listed in the original article (Orion College, Glenoaks, Bellavista, etc., primarily in Johannesburg) are specifically designed to cater for learners with various learning difficulties. They have qualified remedial teachers and often in-house therapy teams.
• Some mainstream independent schools may have strong support units or learning enrichment centres. The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) is a good resource for finding accredited independent schools.

• Learning Approach: Remedial, Assisted Learning, or Blended? Understand the school’s specific educational philosophy and how it addresses different learning needs.
• Therapy Availability: Are occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, or counselling services available? Are these integrated into the school day and fees, or are they add-ons? Barbra Robinson notes, “We believe therapies are a core part of what helps fill the gaps and remediates a child, which is why we [Orion College] have nine therapists, with everything included in our school fees.” This integrated approach can significantly reduce the logistical burden on families.
• Class Sizes and Teacher Qualifications: Smaller classes and teachers trained in special needs education are hallmarks of effective remedial environments.
• Extramurals and Facilities: Are sports, arts, and cultural activities important for your child’s holistic development? Check what facilities (sports fields, pools, art rooms) are available.
• School Terms and Schedule: Does the school’s calendar align with your family’s needs and the schedules of other siblings?

“Before you book to make a tour, ask questions about the type of school, extramurals and the number of in-house therapists. Remember to confirm that the cottage school’s registered if you’ve chosen that option,” the original article wisely suggests. While the provided list focuses on Johannesburg, parents in other provinces can seek recommendations from their educational psychologist, paediatrician, or local parent support groups for learning difficulties support.

The Financial Aspect: Fees and Tax Rebates

It’s a reality that alternative schooling options, particularly those with specialised support and in-house therapies, can be expensive.

• Clarify All Costs: When looking at fees, Robinson’s advice to “work out if therapies and extramurals are included in them or whether there are hidden costs” is essential. Ask about enrolment fees, annual fee structures, and any additional levies before committing to a tour to ensure it’s within your budget.
• Tax Rebates for Special Needs: South African taxpayers may be able to claim a portion of medical and school-related expenses if their child has a diagnosed disability, including conditions like ADHD, autism, epilepsy, and dyslexia.

• An educational psychologist or paediatric neurologist must complete an ITR-DD (Confirmation of Disability) form.
• This form, along with supporting invoices, must be submitted to your tax consultant or directly to SARS.
• Danielle Luwes, tax manager at Hobbs Sinclair Advisory, advises in an IOL article that taxpayers can claim 33% of all qualifying expenses (like specialised schooling and therapies) without meeting an income threshold, unlike the standard medical expense claim. Eligible expenses also include medical equipment, caregiver fees, and even specific transport costs. (Understanding Sars tax relief for disabled dependants – IOL).
• Lelani van Blerk of Omnilutions, quoted in the original piece, cautions: “Be careful when reading articles on the web. Talk to your tax consultant and financial planner when looking at school fees. The first year’s the most challenging one, with tax rebates offsetting some costs for year 2 onwards.” Professional advice is key here.

Making the Transition to a Remedial School: Supporting Your Child

Choosing a new school, especially one that acknowledges and supports learning differences, can be a positive turning point. It’s important to:

• Involve Your Child (Age-Appropriately): Discuss the changes with your child, highlighting the supportive aspects of the new environment.
• Visit the School Together: Allow your child to see the school, meet some teachers, and get a feel for the environment.
• Maintain Open Communication: With both your child and the new school. A strong home-school partnership is vital.

Recent data from the Department of Basic Education (highlighted by the NCPD) shows increasing success rates for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) in South Africa, with many achieving bachelor passes. This indicates that with the right support, these learners can thrive.

What are your experiences or questions about finding remedial or alternative schooling options in South Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Please share this article with other parents who might find this story on remedial schools helpful, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.