Goverment promises extra help for children with dyslexia

The Government has promised to train 4,000 teachers to support children with dyslexia in state schools, representing ~1 trained teacher per 4 schools, supported by additional resources for teachers to help identify pupils with such learning difficulties. This is a major step forward and recognition of dyslexia as a learning difficulty.

Whilst, this is a major change, the support will be aimed, quite rightly at the worst sufferers and so will mean that those children with 'milder' problems will not get so much support and possibly schools watching budgets will still try to avoid identifying sufferers, to avoid extra drain on stretched finances.

Whilst these changes are very welcome, parents will still need to fight to get the help for their children. Don't just rely on promises from your child's school, keep closely in touch with those providing support to ensure your child does get the support needed.

UCAS Points?

UCAS Points are based on examination type and grades achieved. Not just A-Level but AS- Level and other examinations. You may find the calculator and the UCAS tariff tables helpful see Useful Links on the right.

University Open Days: Student Accommodation

What to expect and look out for in student accommodation and when to apply.

Most universities provide 1st year accommodation on campus. Check if this is the case and check if the accommodation is on the main teaching campus or on a separate campus, requiring transport costs to the teaching campus.
If university accommodation is not provided and you have to, or want, off-campus accommodation, make sure you use university approved accommodation and use approved landlords and agencies - Check with the university or student union be worldly wise to avoid bad landlords and bad accommodation - ask existing students.

So what campus accommodation may be available to you? Possible options...

Fully Catered: 7 days a week, 3 meals a day; or 2 meals a day provided in dinning halls attached to halls of residence, maybe requiring the student to purchase meals during the day from campus catering outlets.

Part Catered: Meals provided during weekdays but self-catering at weekends.

Self-Catered: Students have to purchase and prepare their own meals, probably supplemented by campus catering outlets during weekdays. Some university food outlets may offer full term catered reduced rate options for 7, 5 days.

Make sure you check out the accommodation facilities for self-catered and for snack meals if catered. Also check out food shopping available on or close to campus. Use the Internet to check out the locations of local supermarkets, as well as university websites for on-campus food shops.

Accommodation options may include en-suite (particularly in new campus accommodation) but most will be based on a small number of students sharing toilet and washing facilities. What, if any, bedding etc is provided or must be provided by the student and what laundry facilities are available.

Finally: Check out accommodation availability based on 2nd (insurance) choice university (some universities do not guarantee on-campus if selected as your 2nd choice) and what is available if you have to apply through UCAS Clearing. Remember to note the accommodation by University because it may become very confusing after a few open days.

Remember: Have your accommodation application ready in advance and send it as soon as you get your confirmed place, which may be on A Level results day, accommodation is probably assigned on a first come basis!

Statistics on Learning Difficulties - don't let your child be a lost statistic

Statistics have been published that indicate that 3% of children in schools are identified as having specific learning difficulties, yet over 10% of children are known to have specific learning difficulties. A significant discrepency!

To use a government phrase - 'in real terms' this means that in a class of 30 children there will be at least 3 children with specific learning difficulties, yet only one child will be identified as having such a problem.

So don't let your child be one of the unidentified. If you suspect your child may have a problem, you will need to have your child assessed. This is the start of the fight you must undertake! Don't be dissuaded, if you are concerned, until an educational psychologist has shown your child not to have a problem. The system is designed to persuade you there is no problem, it saves on resources and funds.

Remember this is your child's future you a fighting for, so keep up the fight to have an assessment.

Meningitis C vaccinations for new students

Remember that universities and colleges require new students to have the Meningitis C vaccine before taking up a place. It is true that young people grouped together present a good scenario for meningitis to develop.

Whilst it is unlikely that an outbreak will occur, it is advised that new students should ensure they have had the Meningitis C vaccination and that they are aware of the symptoms of meningitis.

Remember this is not something to panic about but to take precautions and be prepared.

Contact your local surgery to arrange for the vaccination before going on to University or College.

Student Bank Accounts

A Student bank Account is needed for your student load etc. So, what is a Student Bank Account?

It is a normal bank Current Account but with the bonus of an interest free overdraft facility, as needed by a student. The account lasts for 3 years but may be extended to a 4th year if required. the overdraft must be repaid, within a set time period after graduation, or the overdraft will attract interest at the standard rate for the bank in question.

Some accounts offer 'freebies' such as a 5 year Student Rail Card. The amount of the overdraft will vary from bank to bank and remember the overdraft if progressive starting with e.g. £500 for the first term and increasing progressively to the (maximum) advertised level.

Note also, you cannot open a Student Bank Account until you have a confirmed college or university place and you will need to show evidence to the bank.

To find the best Student Accounts check out Moneysaving Expert see useful links

NUS Associate Membership

6th Form students in schools are eligible for Associate membership of the National Union of Students and can make use of their NUS Card to benefit from Student Discounts offers by some stores and outlets etc.

This is a recognition that 6th formers in schools are on a par with students in 6th Form Colleges, with student privileges and is a lead-in to full membership of the NUS when they reach college of university.

An application form can be downloaded from the NUS website and applications need to be validated by the student's school.

If the school does not suggest membership for its students, it may not be aware of the Associate membership - make it known to the school.