Ahead of the Spring Budget on 26 March, a leading education academic and teacher of 40 years, has suggested that rather than funding schools directly, the Government should be looking at alternative ways to support the many families across the country who have been let down by the system, by allocating funding directly to parents with children who have diverse needs. This comes as the Government says it is already making progress by investing £1bn into SEND, alongside £740m for councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools.
Martina Geromin
Multi-time published author, Dr Martina Geromin, is also the Co-Founder of London-based online school, School Beyond Limitations (SBL) an educational model looking to disrupt the confines of traditional schooling; she believes that empowering parents to make informed choices about their children’s education and ensuring they have access to diverse learning environments will level the playing field for families.
She explains, “To truly support diverse young thinkers, especially those in neurodiverse communities, the Government’s Spring Budget must prioritise investment in flexible, student-centred approaches to ensure every child thrives regardless of financial background. Whether it’s a mainstream school, a specialised setting or an alternative model like hybrid or online learning, parents have the right to choose what environment works best for their child.”
In line with this, Dr Geromin also believes that smaller learning environments are crucial for children who require more individualised attention, diverse teaching methods, and a tailored approach to their education.
Having worked in the UK and internationally as a teacher and university lecturer, Dr Geromin added, “Investing in more flexible learning pathways is imperative for children who struggle in school, as is investing in adequate teacher training around neurodiversity. We should be focusing on improving professional development that equips educators with the skills to recognise, understand, and support diverse learning profiles in order to create more inclusive classroom environments.”
The rising costs of running schools, coupled with outdated approaches that prioritise rigid academic achievement above all else, are placing immense pressure on students says Dr Geromin, “Above all, we need an education system that puts humanity first. It is fair to say that the education system is failing children with specific learning needs, especially if meaningful change doesn’t happen soon. This not only risks disengagement but also stifles creativity, leaving many children feeling disconnected from their own potential.” www.school-beyond-limitations.com
