"SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES - SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE (SENA)"
Service personnel in receipt of a boarding school allowance may also be able to claim an extra allowance if their child has a specific learning difficulty. The Special Educational Needs Allowance (SENA) is payable for extra tuition.
When a child attends a special boarding school, to meet their needs, the full rate of SENA is available. Other schools may make a separate charge for extra specialist tuition and in these cases costs can be paid up to a ceiling of the current rate of SENA.
Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
The are various types of learning difficulties which inhibit the development of a child's literacy, and sometimes, numeracy skills. These difficulties can include dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia etc. A child with specific learning difficulties can perform at average or above average levels generally, yet have significant difficulties in gaining literacy and numeracy skills. This can in some cases cause frustration, which can result in emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Taking Action
If you think your child has a specific learning difficulty, you should talk firstly to his or her class teacher and find out what support your child is receiving.
You will have to arrange for an assessment to be carried out privately by an Educational Psychologist. SCE can give you details of Educational Psychologists in your area who could carry out the assessment. It should be noted that the cost of obtaining this report cannot be recouped from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) at the present time. The Educational Psychologist will carry out a number of tests to measure a range of skills such as word recognition, spatial awareness, short and long term memory, visual perception etc. These will identify strengths and weakness in your child's learning and provide the basis for designing an appropriate teaching programme.
Applying for SENA
If your child is in a boarding school and is diagnosed as having a specific learning difficulty you can apply to Service Children's Education - SCE (UK) - for SENA.
Your initial application should be forwarded to SCE (UK) with a copy of the Educational Psychologist's report, details of the boarding school and any other supporting documentation you may have. If your child qualifies for the award you will be issued with a certificate. The certificate should be attached to your boarding school claim form and presented to your pay office.
You should be aware that the Special Educational Needs Allowance is kept under review by MOD. SENA must not be regarded as an on going educational subsidy but a support for a special educational need whilst the need exists.
Renewing SENA
The Educational Psychologist's report is valid for two years. However, at the end of one year a report is required from the school which should include details of :
1. The programme that has been followed.
2. The progress made during the year.
3. The programme for the coming year.
4. Reading and spelling ages, etc., in relation to chronological age.
A copy of this report from the special educational needs co-ordinator at the school, should be sent to SCE (UK). If the learning difficulty continues a SENA certificate will be issued for a second year. The certificate should again be forwarded to your pay office.
If the specific learning difficulty still continues after two years, a new Educational Psychologists report will be required.
SCE (UK) can provide specialist advice and assistance on many aspects of education. For further information please contact:
