Which characteristic is typical of SEN special schools?

• A. They have higher staff ratio and smaller class sizes.
• B. They do not follow any curriculum.
• C. They charge high fees.
• D. They have no separation of students by needs.

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that SEN special schools are designed to provide intensive, individualized support through a high staff-to-student ratio and smaller class sizes. With more staff relative to pupils, teachers can give frequent one-to-one help, closely monitor progress, and implement tailored learning plans and therapies that address each student’s specific needs. This setup helps create a learning environment where pupils receive the level of attention and structure that can be hard to achieve in larger mainstream classes.

SEN schools still follow a curriculum, but it is often adapted or designed to fit the abilities and goals of the students, rather than being a standard mainstream curriculum with little modification. They are typically funded through public education systems, so high fees are not a defining characteristic. And students are usually grouped by needs to ensure that instructional strategies and support services match what they require, rather than having a mixed environment with no separation by needs.

So, the combination of higher staff ratios and smaller class sizes is what makes SEN special schools distinct.