Got a predicament

WhatdoIdo_3

Thanks Kunekune

I will have a look, I think we are just going to have to accept that we have to stay where we are, I dont think I can put that uncertainty on us. But then I have brief thoughts that this time next year, we will have to and we could be sat here in a few months in a new house, less money and our son maybe in the school that we would prefer.

I will pop and have a look at that board thanks

silvercar

You need specific educational advice.

By the sounds of it you need a statement naming that school as the preferred school. Then you should get priority even if you don't live nearby. Once you have a place and the local authority accepts it as the appropriate school they must provide transport.

I think mumsnet may have sections on special needs and schooling.

WhatdoIdo_3

Thank you, we have applied for a statement, just waiting, you know what its like.

Curious_Moose

Could you get a lodger? It would help with the cost of commuting. Less hassle than renting out the entire house.

WhatdoIdo_3

I think it would have to be a patient lodger lol. Seriously I want to run away at times, I really cant see someone willing paying to stop with us, nice idea thougth thanks

savingforarainyday

Hi, have had a similiar situation,

DS has austism, he is 14 we requested a multi disciplinary assessment for him 8 years ago now, had lots of battles for hours etc, I did used to work part-time but I used to have to pick him up at lunch (give him a break in his day) did work whilst i did this but found I was spending over 2 hours a day in the car doing this little circuit, so had to give up work to save family life. Come secondary we are now home educating, it is difficult finding something that works for everyone.

So do you claim disability living allowance for him,
if so are you aware that you get a higher level child tax credit
If you are caring for your child for over 35hours per week you may receive carers allowance.

With regard to the school, is there actually a place there or is there a waiting list. If you can get the school named on a statement, transport can also be made part of the statement of special educational needs. How far away is the school? Have you been in contact with any support, Parent Partnerships, Rathbone, I have a list somewhere of educational support charities. Do you have a local autism support group?

Do you have other children to consider in this move, and I do know this is a strange one do you have a good support network, where you are now and would you be losing this if you move.

Sorry to fire away with questions but just trying to get a clearer picture before i spout off useless information that may not be relevant

Please feel free to ask me anything if you think it will help, sometimes being the parent of an austistic child can seem very lonely but there are a lot of supportive people out there.:D

WhatdoIdo_3

Thanks Savingforarainyday.

Yes I get middle band for ds on the care side, no mobility yet as under 5, still waiting on carers but have applied. Contacted tax and they amended but wasnt worth diddly squat to be honest as means tested.
I am a member of NAS in our area.
I didnt know you could request transport on the statement so that would solve a lot of issues, as yet I have another child to consider, he is younger so would involve change of nursery etc.
No we dont have a good support network, to be honest if we move we will gain one as will be nearer to my parents, even though they do there best to help us.

At the moment because we are on fixed rate we are ok, we manage, as once I get the carers through we should be a lot better. I am just worried what will happen in a years time when we come of that.

The school isnt a huge distance away and he could be drove in but you know sometime it is hard economically and would a move make this better, ie what if he continues to fall at school, cost of petrol etc.

Hubby is all for doing it, I am just not sure. However I do think as we are only on interest only are we not renting anyway.
thanks again for your help.

savingforarainyday

Re the transport and named school on the statement. If your heart is set on this school and you feel it is right for him. Make sure you look at other schools closer/ similar etc, as if you don't you cannot come up with a reason as to why they will not be suitable for your son, as the school you have chosen. The transport would then be paid as you would have established that this is the closest suitable school.

The reason I asked about other children as mine is older and a move would have had more of an effect on her. I would suggest, trying to stay where you are until your son is established in the new school and you know he is settled, rather than uneccesary upheaval for the whole family.

Good Luck

alm721

Have you actually spoken to the school you want to get your son in? If they have vaccancies then where you are will not be an issue and the number of kids attending a school can change at any time to a vaccancy may come up when you don't expect it. Also as others have said once he has a place the authority will provide transport. My brother attended a special school about 10 miles away and transport was provided for him. He was also offerend several other places at less'good' schools which my mum turned down due to their dreadful reputation.
With regards to work I would seriously think again about finding yourself something part time whilst he is at school even if for your own sanity if nothing else. If you have to leave because of an issue then really its only like any other working mum (although admittedly maybe more frequently) . Its not easy but my mum managed to carry on teaching full time when my brother was born (hes autistic, dsypraxic, epileptic etc etc) despite my father leaving us when he was 6 months old. It was really reaaly hard but if she hadn't have done we would have lost the house and I'm really grateful that we didn't. It also has probably stopped her from going mad over the years as anyone with similar porblems will tell you.
Don't hand your keys in it really will cause more problems than you think and I really think you stand a good chance of getting your son where he needs to be without going to such lengths.
Good luck

jeepers1

Hi,

Rather than sell the house for a shortfall and be lumbered with £20k unsec loan why not switch to interest only and get DWP to help with payments, I've been told they will pay the interest element so your mortgage payments are covered then.

You can make an arrangment with the bank then to pay any arrears if you have any.

Then contact DFW like the previous post to see if they can help with any other unsec debts.

At least you get to keep your house and hopefully recoop' the neg equity as fingers crossed the market may improve not over night but slowly??

Good luck though!