Overview: Special Educational Needs

Types of provision

ESF offers three broad options for students with special educational needs, based upon identification of need using the ESF Levels of Adjustment 1 to 6 (click here to view the Levels of Adjustment framework). Firstly, within mainstream classes in kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools (Levels 1 & 2), secondly within learning support centres in some primary and secondary schools (Levels 3 & 4) and thirdly within the Jockey Club Sarah Roe School (Levels 5 & 6). Further details of each of these options are outlined below.

Mainstream class with possible support

Many students whose special educational needs require minimal teaching and learning adjustments are catered for within mainstream classes in all kindergartens and schools. These students are able to access the normal curriculum in these settings with minimal adjustment or support. They may have difficulties in maintaining attention, delayed language and/or literacy development or difficulties in self-regulation. In these settings students may be supported for limited amounts of time by specialist teachers or by educational assistants. Entry to this type of special education provision is through the normal school admissions process. If your child falls into this category you should approach the ESF kindergarten or school in your district and discuss your child's enrolment with staff.

Learning support centres

Students whose special educational needs require more extensive teaching and learning adjustments are catered for within learning support classes within six ESF primary schools (Beacon Hill, Kowloon Junior, Bradbury, The Peak, Quarry Bay and Clearwater Bay schools) and three ESF secondary schools (KGV, South Island and West Island). There are currently 133 LSC places in total, 56 of which are secondary places. There are no learning support classes attached to ESF kindergartens and this option does not exist for young children.

The learning support classes provide the option of small group teaching with a teacher student ratio of 1:7 as well as participation within mainstream classes where appropriate. Students in these settings may have more significant intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and/or physical disabilities. They require significant adjustments to the normal school curriculum in order to access it. ESF does not provide therapy services such as speech pathology within the learning support classes, although some parents do engage private therapists to work in the school setting at the parents' expense. Entry to this type of special education provision is through a central process called the Admissions and Review Panel, not through the local school. If this type of provision seems to suit your child's needs then you should complete the expression of interest form.

Jockey Club Sarah Roe School

Students whose special educational needs require the most extensive teaching and learning adjustments are catered for within the Jockey Club Sarah Roe School. The school is a modern purpose built special school situated adjacent to the campuses of KGV and Kowloon Junior in Homantin. The school is has 60 places for students aged 5 - 18. Students accessing this provision have significant intellectual disabilities, autism, physical disabilities and often health and personal care needs. The school has an enrolment of sixty and a teacher student ratio of 1:7. The school also has a range of therapy services including speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy which it provides to students enrolled within the school. The school PTA operates a bus service which covers much of Hong Kong. Like the learning support classes entry is through the Admissions and Review Panel (ARP). If this type of provision seems to suit your child's needs then you should complete the expression of interest form.