7.1 Special education needs (SEND) policy
British Council (Singapore) Limited is an inclusive organisation that welcomes students with learning difficulties or medical conditions. We aim to integrate students with special educational needs into our mainstream classes, where possible, so that they can follow the curriculum and achieve the course learning objectives. These guidelines are outlined in the British Council’s Inclusion Policy for Teaching Centres: Inclusive and Special Education Provision (2021)
7.2 Voluntary medical/learning needs disclosure
British Council (Singapore) Limited recognises that each student has their own individual needs. Our aim is to ensure that, as far as possible, students are consulted and involved in decisions about how their needs might be met. This involves talking to and listening to our students, including students under the age of 18, as it is their right that their views regarding their learning are properly considered. To help us do this, we request that the student complete a ‘Student Voice’ questionnaire and, if you wish, to provide us with information on the student’s learning needs. This information will be used to formulate an Individual Education Plan for the student, enabling us to optimise our teaching methods to better suit you/your child. This information will only be shared with staff who will be working directly with the student.
Please approach our Sales and Customer Management staff for a disclosure form and for more information.
In some cases, we may not accept a student into our course because we are not able to provide consistent and sustainable support. The decision to not allow a student to register (or continue) is not made lightly and is based upon a consideration of all factors related to the individual case.
7.3 Inclusion and diversity policy
The British Council (Singapore) Limited is an inclusive organisation that attempts to offer classes to students of all backgrounds. However, we acknowledge that, at times, it is impossible to effectively support some students with specific needs in their studies. In these situations, we will not be able to offer our classes. We will then arrange a trial session to assess the potential to study with us. The outcome is then at the discretion of the management team.
Students should meet the entry requirements of the course. To best meet and support the student’s needs while on the course, we will need close dialogue between him/her (and parents, if applicable) and the teacher so that we can support their learning in the best possible way.
Participation is also monitored to determine if the required level of support is possible.
Sometimes, it is not possible to offer a place for the student because they do not meet our entry requirements (e.g. literacy skills do not correspond with what is needed for students undertaking that level of study). The decision is based on a student’s English proficiency and learning needs.
Decisions related to SEND and a centre’s ability to support the student’s learning
requirements will not be made in isolation. They will be made in consultation with multiple parties, including parents/ guardians, our Management, the Teacher and our Special Education Needs coordinator.