Episode Two - Fairley House School - Apology and Clarification
In episode 2 of Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Kelly Moore was shown visiting Fairley House School, a specialist day school for children aged 5-13 with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. The purpose of the visit was to enquire whether the school might be an option for her son, who has reading difficulties. In the programme, Kelly explains she felt the fees were expensive and, as a parent on benefits, it was unfair her child was not able to attend.
Channel 4 and RDF would like to apologise to Fairley House School for not fully explaining the assistance offered to parents from low income families in episode 2. At the end of episode 3 of the series reference was made to the fact that assistance is available for some children wishing to attend the school.
Some local authorities do place children with a statement of special educational needs (usually just called a 'statement') at Fairley House and pay the fees or part of the fees. Local authorities have criteria for statementing children. Generally, children’s attainments need to be in the bottom 1 to 2 % of the population for a statement to be issued. Having a statement does not necessarily mean that the child will go to Fairley House and the authority will want to see what progress the child can make over time with support in a mainstream school. However, up to 25% of children at Fairley House are statemented so it is difficult, but not impossible, to have the fees paid by a local authority. It may mean appealing to the Special Needs and Disability Tribunal and the Principal will appear as a witness for families who have a strong case.
Once again, Channel 4 and RDF would like to apologise to Fairley House School for not explaining the above in the programme.