darlingboys | ExpatWoman.com
 

darlingboys

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Latest post on 18 June 2016 - 22:41
Its very late to be looking for school places, especially for your 4 year old. However there are 21 more schools opening in Sept so no doubt you'll get a place. Safa has a good rep and is the sister school to a long running one so that's encouraging. Sunmark, to the best of my knowledge, is not even open so that's interesting that you're getting good reviews.....must be from the owners! A friend is working in Ranches Primary and is happy there, likes the ethos and it is (so far) not massive and very close to AR. Good luck. :)
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Latest post on 13 June 2016 - 23:18
Mary 67, there are WAY better schools that you can put your child into for WAY less fees (GWA). Please remember that there is a HUGE selection of schools available now as opposed to 3 years ago when GWA (for example) was considered good. It really depends on your orientation. Are you native English speaking? ...If so, then avoid GWA. GCS is just ****, by all and any standards, in my own personal experience as an ex teacher and ex parent there. The standard in Dubai has really improved in the last few years...cast your net a lot wider and DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!
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Latest post on 13 June 2016 - 23:11
So, our situation has changed and we don't have a maid anymore. I know for fact that she walked and picked up after our dog correctly. However, since the dynamic has changed with her no longer being with us, my dogs behaviour has changed dramatically, for the better! The dynamic is so much better! He ( our dog) now knows who is the boss, as we (the family) walk him every day. I've really reconnected with him. Walk you own dog! That's my top tip for them and you! :)
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Latest post on 13 June 2016 - 22:55
While in theory I like the idea of a 'chit chat' board. I find that the British Mums in Dubai, Irish Mums in Dubai etc are better for the 'chit chat', the instant hit, if you like. You don't have to do a long winded log in to 'chat' and the 'chat' is pretty much instantanious. While I think the days of this such forum are defunct, the historical 'chats' and info to be found here is invaluable. I do think that this site is still beneficial for the many voices who like a little privacy or who don't have the confidence to stand behind their opinion. The many opinions on schools is a good example! While Expat Woman is a whole lot more quite than when I first logged in, I do think it has its (much more quiet) place in Dubai :)
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Latest post on 07 May 2016 - 12:17
the process is very easy, if you need any help, I will be glad to offer free help! Hi Humanitarian, Do you mean that you can arrange it on your own without a company ?
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Latest post on 25 April 2016 - 08:49
Not for profit schools give places for your children as part of your package. For profit schools don't give free places but may give a discount.
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Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 10:42
Hi Bundles, I do reckon you're asking for the impossible Lots of schools tick many of the boxes you want however the last point, continuing with a lesson that's going well rather than moving on to the next timetabled lesson simply doesn't happen with the British Curriculum, anywhere. I would really recommend JAPS, largely because its not for profit and has a very low staff turnover. However, they are rigid and traditional.' Walking in a straight line' is expected and non negotiable. As a result, children are extremely well behaved but the school definitely isn't 'organic'. Learning support there is excellent. Good luck with your search!
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Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 18:35
Thanks for all that ladies, really appreciate it. :)
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Latest post on 28 October 2015 - 20:46
If moving from Dubai to there, no way. If moving from UK, possibly.
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Latest post on 28 October 2015 - 20:43
UmmSalah, thank you for sharing that information. There are a lot of people here interested in doing the PGCE (that is the correct way to write it) and do not realise that doing it here is different to doing it at home. Lovingthesun, seriously, get that job!
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Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 09:54
Another very happy King's Al Barsha family here :) Wonderful Management, staff are really excellent and the school is inclusive ( a rare commodity in Dubai). Unlike other schools in Dubai (NAS being one of them) Kings wont take on a child that they cannot adequately support. For any parents with Dyslexic children, the support is excellent. Better than anything we have experienced as a family or indeed in my capacity as a teacher in various schools in Dubai. Darlingboys I'm not sure what you mean by 'School is inclusive'? I'm considering Kings al bersha for my son (year 3). Would highly appreciate more feedback in terms of staff, students and parents satisfaction etc. And how far approximately is the commute if I was to travel from. Springs /Meadows? Defmom, inclusive simply means that children of different abilities are included in the school. For example, they include and provide excellent support for Dyslexic children. As mentioned in my post above, we find staff and management to be excellent. I have lived and worked in the Middle East for many years and in my experience, this school is the best we have experienced. It suits my family very well. We like the ethos and the attitude of staff. I feel that all staff are genuinely concerned about my child and how well he is progressing and how happy he is. I'm not aware of parent dissatisfaction and certainly the parents I know are very happy and feel lucky to have their children in the school. I liked the staff attitude from day one and this is what encouraged us, along with the Dyslexic support being offered, to join the school. Again, this is [u'>my opinion based on my experience in the school as a parent.[/u'> I do not work in the school. Student behaviour is very good from what I have observed. I'm not entirely sure how far away Springs is but I think 15 mins, lots of families from that area are in the school. I *think* Year 3 might be full actually but the Registrar will be able to clarify. This school is very big but the Primary, Secondary and Foundation blocks are separate so you don't feel its too big/too crowded which was a concern of mine. Feel free to ask any more questions. :)
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Latest post on 07 October 2015 - 09:34
Another very happy King's Al Barsha family here :) Wonderful Management, staff are really excellent and the school is inclusive ( a rare commodity in Dubai). Unlike other schools in Dubai (NAS being one of them) Kings wont take on a child that they cannot adequately support. For any parents with Dyslexic children, the support is excellent. Better than anything we have experienced as a family or indeed in my capacity as a teacher in various schools in Dubai. Of course the above is not actually the case. The other "benefits" of Kings over NAS are that Kings has no waiting list and always has places lovingthesun, unless you have been a parent or member of staff in Kings you have ZERO right to make such a statement. Based on my experience, my comments above are 100% true and accurate.It is a FACT that Kings are providing excellent support for Dyslexic children. You portray yourself as being foolish, ill informed and bitter, hovering around these boards ready to slate any positive remarks about the school. Can I suggest you get a life or a job of some description and focus that (very negative) energy elsewhere.
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Latest post on 24 September 2015 - 20:43
We left about 2 yrs ago...I cried nearly everyday to come back to UK. My husband gave in and we returned. Now we are trying to come back to Dubai and realised the very reasons we came back to the UK...are actually the reasons we left in the first place. Here's hoping we can return soon to Dubai :) It really depends on where you come from I think. If you're from a rural or country background you will always possibly crave that. If you're from a 1 bed apt in a rough part of Lpool then Dubai will most likely be spectacular in your eyes! No offense to Liverpudlians (I love that part of the world!). Everyone has a boredom factor to consider too. We first came here almost 20 years ago, left for 6, back for 6 and now thinking of going again. There are so many things in Dubai that you have to turn a blind eye to, there are at at home also. For me, the spectacular difference in the way people are treated because of where they come from is too hard to get my hear around. You can block it out and forget about it for periods but you know its there and you know that by being here you are condoning it and inadvertently letting your children know that its ok really.
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Latest post on 24 September 2015 - 20:13
Another very happy King's Al Barsha family here :) Wonderful Management, staff are really excellent and the school is inclusive ( a rare commodity in Dubai). Unlike other schools in Dubai (NAS being one of them) Kings wont take on a child that they cannot adequately support. For any parents with Dyslexic children, the support is excellent. Better than anything we have experienced as a family or indeed in my capacity as a teacher in various schools in Dubai.
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Latest post on 06 September 2015 - 11:41
Barlas I really struggled to get my now 9 year old son to drink enough water and it caused him headaches, lethargy, poor concentration etc etc. Even now in school he often does not drink enough but what I do works. I bought lots of very easy to drink from sippy type containers. I felt giving him a heavy 750ml container was too much and turning him off drinking at all!. At breakfast he drinks one, on the way to school he drinks one (they hold 300ml each and are by OXO, I got them from Amazon) After school I keep refilling and hes now defo getting enough to drink. Dehydration can be at the root of so many problems! I would definitely get his eyes tested too. Ask his teacher to remind him to drink also. Best of luck!
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Latest post on 02 September 2015 - 23:16
Middlesex University here in Dubai do a Degree in Childhood Studies if I remember correctly. They were hoping to start the PGCE (Postgrad Cert in Education) which is a year long course once you have your degree. You can most definitely teach in schools here once you have a degree and the PGCE. Best of luck :)
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Latest post on 06 May 2015 - 17:23
Not for profit schools will always have wait lists, they pay their staff way better than the 'business' schools so can pick and choose the better qualified, more experienced older staff. Better teachers lead to better results which makes for waiting lists.
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Latest post on 19 April 2015 - 17:46
My child is in Year 4 in King's Al Barsha and is definitely doing tables. Parents should approach their child's class teacher if they're concerned. We are very happy with the school, it suits our children and suits us but may not suit you. You really need to check out a few schools, get a feel for them and ask LOTS of questions. Remember too there is now a new UK Curriculum, perhaps things are being done at different stages than before although from experience multiplication and division is definitely done throughout Key Stage 2. Kagi, if your FS2 son really does know his number bonds well to 10 and 20 then perhaps you should ask his teacher about an extension programme for him as that would indicate a great aptitude for Maths and not the average for FS2. edited by darlingboys on 19/04/2015 <em>edited by darlingboys on 19/04/2015</em>
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Latest post on 17 April 2015 - 19:24
Creative Minds on Um Sequim Road have similar but to get these exact ones you're better off ordering them from Amazon. I find the 'claw grip' very effective. http://www.amazon.com/The-Pencil-Grip-Writing-C-L-A-W/dp/B002AGN4N2
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Latest post on 12 April 2015 - 17:32
Our calendar means 6 extra school days! They forget that we are all expats ..... many people go home during the full weeks off or have family to stay! It will lead to a higher rate of absenteeism most probably. :(
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Latest post on 12 April 2015 - 16:51
We got ours and we don't have any full week off in Oct or Feb like usual, only 3 days. Some other schools have the full week off. How come this is possible if its from the KHDA? TIA
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Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 22:42
Sam7, unless hormones are actually banned altogether and very regular random spot tests are done on farms there is no exact way of finding out what % of hormone added beef gets into the food chain. Doubting Thomas, I hope that article is accurate although I fail to see how hormones injected into animals with the sole purpose of fattening them cannot have an affect on us!
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Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 16:01
I've never been here in Feb with it so hot! Average temp is usually 20o.....its forecast to be 36 tomorrow! Next week is supposed to be cooler with 24 forecast for Sunday.....hope so :sun:
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Latest post on 19 February 2015 - 12:25
Anyone interested? I have 2 Gold (seated) tickets for One Direction that I'd like to swap for 2 Ed Sheeran seated tickets. :)
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Latest post on 11 February 2015 - 10:21
We used them just over a year ago (I think they had just started up then) and we got a fabulous lady from the site. There were no phone calls to us or links etc. Obviously its changed now but we were very pleased at the time and the reg fee was less then too.
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Latest post on 04 February 2015 - 23:55
Bythesea, has anyone suggested it could be Fibromyalgia ? My sister suffers with it and her symptoms are similar to what you describe.
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Latest post on 04 February 2015 - 23:48
Was told today that the new Hartland Intl. School will offer EAL.
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Latest post on 03 February 2015 - 16:46
King's Al Barsha are starting Mandarin as an after school class next week :)
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Latest post on 03 February 2015 - 16:40
English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered in many schools Cornish Pixie. Children are usually taken out of class in small groups and given extra support. A school accepting a child needing EAL support will be dependent on space being available and the level of support needed. Do the children speak any English at all? Safa offer support (or at least used to) and Victory Heights Primary do also. <em>edited by darlingboys on 03/02/2015</em>
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Latest post on 01 February 2015 - 15:24
You clearly wrote "See the recent post about teachers/building contractors not being paid for example"........Silk asked you to say what thread this is on and you haven't, I have asked for clarification too and you have not been forthcoming. You are showing yourself to be unreliable and forgetful to say the very least. :( I won't comment on this again, history has shown that its quite pointless expecting honest, accurate detail where you're concerned unfortunately.
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Latest post on 01 February 2015 - 14:58
I've made a strong statement? I merely said that I thought it was a good resource for parents. You disagreed and that is of course your opinion. I do think it's important to have this resource though. I very strongly do :lol: I very strongly do think we need an independent resource for parents to read about schools and education in region. I have no clue which schools aren't paying people. Considering this is a" feedback on Kings Al Barsha" thread it's obvious what school you're making your, yes, strong statements about. I too would be very interested in hearing your answer to what school is not paying it's staff......good for other teachers to know which schools are best avoided too.
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Latest post on 01 February 2015 - 08:51
This sounds like a really difficult situation. I feel sorry for your ex. He sounds like a rather simple minded person who probably totally adores his daughter. He will find it hard when she moves away from him. I think what Cushion means is that its sounds like he may have mental health problems which is exactly what I thought when reading this post. To the OP, a friend was in a similar position but was only trying to bring her child here on holidays. It worked out for her with the help of a lawyer. Best of luck, its a difficult situation.
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Latest post on 26 January 2015 - 22:51
The school is still under construction but should be finished in total by September. Things did slow down in Dec but I understand its now back on track. Communication/being informed about what your child is doing is very good. Teachers, that I have experience with, are excellent. We are happy.....we wanted good quality teaching, and we're getting that.
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Latest post on 20 January 2015 - 12:39
Id say the hosts don't give a toss about 16 quid but are very annoyed about the rudeness of the people who just didn't bother to turn up! You make a point of having party info including the phone numbers. Its extremely rude to accept, not show up and not let anyone know you're not showing up. Not replying to an invitation at all is obnoxious too!! How this story got on to Sky news though is beyond me!
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Latest post on 17 January 2015 - 14:06
Sorry lovingthesun, but you are wrong! Selective usually (and always in Dubai) means academic criteria has been met. JESS, DESS and JAPS are academically selective as are DC and JC. NA is not I'm afraid. Be happy with your choice of school but please do no try to make out it is something its not. My opinion is not something I've pulled out of the sky, it's based on the facts.
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Latest post on 16 January 2015 - 10:51
lovingthesun are you saying the whole of Nord Anglia school is selective or just the secondary? Because if you are I'd love to know what you're basing this on. The Primary IS NOT academically selective. I know 7 children who started NA in January and they are ALL average children and in fact 2 of them were having learning support in their previous schools. This, as usual, is more of the Dubai BS from people who consider themselves experts when they've been in a school for 5 mins!! Learn people, learn!! Why cant people say "we are happy, the school suits out child" rather than adding in false bits of information. If you're happy with your school surely that's enough.....why do people have to make it out to be something it's not??? I will never understand that attitude. :confused:
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Latest post on 16 January 2015 - 10:17
No more than at home, any school should provide extension for very able children. Once assessments are done and they show the child is very bright, the parents should ask if the school provide for "gifted and talented" children.
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Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 18:42
That's a very good point March. It is impossible to do any rigorous assessment on a 3 year old! The main way children are assessed is through observation. Most schools go to the nurseries to observe the applicants and or have them come to school for an assessment. At this stage you're looking for how a child interacts with other children, with adults and what their speech and language skills are like. On many levels its the easiest time to get into these 'preferred' schools as many (mild) learning differences won't be obvious at this stage. A trained eye can however spot a child showing markers for Autism at 3 and I'm pretty sure there are no Autistic children in any of these schools although I would love to be proven wrong on that point. When so many children apply for so few places i'ts safe to say that they'll take the chatty, engaging child with clear speech and good social skills over the one who doesn't quite fit. And you know what, that's absolutely fine, they certainly don't pretend to be inclusive schools. It's the suggestion, over and over that these are the best schools to get into, that your child will be 100% happy there and it will suit every child perfectly, that I object to as its simply not true :) <em>edited by darlingboys on 12/01/2015</em>
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Latest post on 12 January 2015 - 12:42
Can I just point out a few things that seem to be un known or are just not being acknowledged here. Especially for new parents looking for school places, its not fair or accurate to make out that JESS,DESS orJAPS are the only schools really worth getting in to. Firstly, the above schools are [u'>academically selective[/u'>, that means they take the brightest children. Of course this means that their results will be excellent and that these children will go on to get the JC/DC places. In primary particularly, its your child's individual teacher that you need to be most concerned about. My friend moved her 2 very bright children to DESS, one of them had an outstanding teacher and really thrived, the other had a good enough teacher who was very dis-organised and the child stagnated. I know of a teacher who took herself and her children out of JESS and I have a friend who moved to another gulf state with her child who had been in JAPS since FS and her child is happier now and her needs are being met in a way that they never were in JAPS. My point is, guaranteeing someone that their child will be happy if they move to any of these schools is ridiculous as every child is different, their needs are different and every teacher is [u'>NOT[/u'> very good just because they are working in these schools. I have lived here on and off for quite a few years and I am a teacher. There are so many authorities on education in this country/on these boards who sometimes, quite frankly, haven't a clue. Unless you are in a school as a parent (for more than a wet weekend) or more tellingly as a member of staff, you cannot know what's really going on For the people concerned about staff leaving schools. In every profession, there is movement every so often. As not for profit schools, DESS&lt;JESS&lt;JAPS pay more than for profit schools and like with you or your partner people move for a better deal, traditionally, teaching is simply not well paid. IF there is high staff turnover every 2 years, that is a major red flag. If your child's school is following the curriculum correctly (this is where parents need to do their research and be informed and up to date),they see that their child is happy and [u'>progressing[/u'> and their individual needs are being met, well that in my opinion and experience is a 'good' school. <em>edited by darlingboys on 12/01/2015</em>
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Latest post on 02 January 2015 - 22:49
Mantaray, what type of learning support are you looking for? The in house support in Safa Private School is basic enough and I know they intended getting rid of EAL support. . Speech and Language support was being provided by Kids First as was OT, I don't know if that's changed or not. If you're looking for specific support for Dyslexia, Kings Al Barsha provide very good support by Dyslexia Teachers. I cant comment on the new Safa School. The reason though that there will only be 13 in a class is because the places simply haven't been taken up. With so many new schools opened in Dubai (I believe at least 11), a lot of schools will struggle to fill the places I imagine.
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Latest post on 17 December 2014 - 21:28
Thanks so much Beebers but I tried all the kiosks in MOE today and no joy! Will try MCC.
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Latest post on 11 December 2014 - 23:37
Hi The Traveler, have you had his hearing checked? If you have and its fine, consider having him checked for an audio processing disorder. A child can have perfect hearing but not process correctly what they are hearing.
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Latest post on 27 October 2014 - 18:17
Victory Heights provides excellent learning support and so far do not charge extra for it. It is a very inclusive school. Their fees are reasonable. Kings Al Barsha also provides excellent support for Dyslexia. They do not charge extra but the fees are high. Safa is a very warm and nurturing school but do not give specific learning support. Silicon Oasis do provide learning support but It is not of good quality or specific or consistent.
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Latest post on 28 September 2014 - 22:59
That's what I thought too Lolacat so was very surprised. As I said, the lady I spoke to stated that because there would only be 16 in each class and a TA, there would be enough support! Perhaps its something as simple as she didn't know and there may well be a Learning Support Dept but that's what I was told. <em>edited by darlingboys on 28/09/2014</em>
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Latest post on 27 September 2014 - 00:00
A warning to others. I hope things work out for the op. While I have friends who have married happily into other cultures, many have not and it ends unhappily for them and their children. Heed and lean.
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Latest post on 26 September 2014 - 23:36
Maybe people don't understand the criteria for the thumbs! Maybe the red thumbs people are saying they acknowledge or emphasise with the parents having a child with a learning difference. Perhaps there should be a policy of "if you cant thumb anything nice, then thumb nothing at all" BUT that's still open to interpretation! Anyhow, best of luck to OP, hope you get the best person to work with your angel x
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Latest post on 25 September 2014 - 23:03
No, its not a happy thread sadly but maybe a reminder to us all to be even more careful and attentive . I've seen more accidents in the last 10 days than in the previous 10 months!! What is going on?!
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Latest post on 23 September 2014 - 22:37
In June when I enquired about places I did ask if there was a Learning Enhancement Dept/SEN Dept and was told no. The registrar at the time said that because there were 16 in a class and a TA, there would be sufficient support. I don't know if this has changed but that is one thing that I would be asking any school I was interested in. While your child may not have any difficulties now (entering FS 1 or 2), lots of specific learning differences cannot be detected or diagnosed until a child is older when SPECIFIC help and support would be needed and given ideally in school.
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Latest post on 19 September 2014 - 11:39
We've had a great first few days at King's Al Barsha. They have really hit the ground running and I'm delighted with how proactive they are being. Very positive start and they certainly seem to be intent on bringing all that makes King's Dubai outstanding to the new school. :)
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Latest post on 16 September 2014 - 10:54
http://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/jul/26/acupuncture-sceptics-proof-effective-nhs