A new nationwide survey by online tutoring company, Cluey Learning, has revealed 90 per cent of parents who have at least one child with a special learning need agree there should be more support in classrooms.
Whilst a similar proportion of those surveyed were full of praise for their child’s teacher, 58 per cent were frustrated at the lack of resources and funding to support their child.
With October being ADHD Awareness Month, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is estimated to affect one in 14 children in Australia. A report from the ADHD Foundation also states the vast majority of teachers believed their schools could do more to support students with ADHD.
Cluey found that almost one in five parents (16 per cent) with school-aged children have at least one child with a special learning need.
Dr Selina Samuels, Cluey’s Chief Learning Officer, said she understands how difficult it can be for parents of children with special learning needs to seek out additional learning support which ensures their child is making progress in the classroom.
Some 24 per cent of students currently using Cluey’s services face one or more specific learning challenges – ADHD being the most prevalent (47 per cent), followed by autism and anxiety.
“Parents reported that anxiety, difficulty focusing and being easily distracted are the top challenges for students who are neurodivergent or have a mental health condition,” added Dr Samuels.
The survey shows four out of five parents are worried about how their child is coping in class. Furthermore, a large proportion of parents – 71 per cent – feel their child needs more academic support outside the classroom.
“Almost all parents who have used tutoring [such as online tutoring programs] have found it to be helpful for their child,” said Dr Samuels. “In fact, 44 percent of parents say one-to-one learning is essential. Importantly, more than one in two people surveyed said consistency with teachers and routines is crucial in their child’s learning development.
“We know teachers are committed to supporting all their students but are also operating in a complex and demanding environment. At Cluey, we see our role as the learning partner who works alongside students, parents and teachers where additional support is needed.
“Our one-to-one approach, programs and session structure create a supportive and nurturing learning environment which can be particularly valuable for students who find classroom noise, distractions and disruptions overwhelming and struggle to focus.”
