What to do if your child’s educational needs changed over the past year

Over the past year and a half, the pandemic threw the educational journeys of learners into disarray. Many schools responded with mitigation measures that resulted in a variety of impacts and outcomes on learners.

At the same time, the educational needs of many learners have also changed. Learners that seemed to be in the right place and on the right track at the start of 2020, are now finding that this may no longer be the case.

As parents start considering their children’s educational options for next year, they must be aware of a variety of different offerings which may provide a better fit for their children’s current situation and needs.

Education experts say there are options available to learners requiring more tailored or niche offerings or environments.

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Desiree Hugo, academic head at ADvTECH Schools said, “Many parents often do not consider the idea that they have alternative choices instead of remaining in an environment that no longer serves their children to the degree it did before”

Dr Jacques Mostert, academic manager at Abbotts College said, “It could be that the environment changed because of the last year’s experiences, that the needs of your child have changed, or both. Where learners are no longer rising to their potential, particularly in the wake of observations over the past six months, and where mid-year reports indicate there are areas requiring attention, parents should review the existing conditions and, if need be, make changes in consultation with professionals.” 

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Some learners were fortunate enough to attend schools that could provide a high-quality online offering during lockdowns and continue the curriculum without interruption. Most of them were happy to return to in-person schooling when the time came. Some realised that the online learning environment was more suitable to their personality and needs and may now be considering a permanent move to online homeschooling.

“If you are considering homeschooling, you must do your homework thoroughly before choosing a curriculum provider, as the quality of offering varies substantially across the board, and so do outcomes,” said Colin Northmore, principal at Evolve Online School.

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“So when deciding on an online homeschool offering, prospective parents must enquire about the efficiency of the technology and the logistics of an offering, as well as whether they will have access to qualified educators to step in and assist them should the need arise,” Northmore added.

Mostert said setting out on a new path may mean simply allowing a learner to continue within a differently structured and more nurturing environment.

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“If things are not going well for a learner, and parents are starting to get concerned about their current trajectory, it might be worth looking for a high school that will allow a learner to continue within a setting focused on progressive academic improvement,” Mostert added.

“This time of year, in general, is an excellent time to review the educational options for the year ahead after reviewing progress and development over the previous six months. In 2021, that is more true than ever,” said Hugo.

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“Parents who feel that their child could do with a different educational environment or better support would do well to investigate some of the lesser-known or non-mainstream options which they may not even have been aware of, but which may make a world of difference to the prospects and well-being of their children.”

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