Choosing a school for a child with SEN

mummyroysof3

It may be the case that once statemented extra funding for someone more experienced may be available but I'm starting to feel that the schools methods are designed to get me to take him out of here as they can't refuse to have him.

As I don't yet know the person who will be with him after the holidays I will be giving it a good go to make it work with the help of a support worker from schools and families specialist services. I will get in touch with parent partnership and am waiting for a call from the educational psychologist who has been involved.

mummyroysof3

The school suggested statementing as they want him moved to a special school I agreed as I'm hoping it will force school to do more to help him but its not looking likely that hey are going to make it easy....battling with them might not be worth it if we will have to move him at a later date anyway. He is 4 next month and can't talk and has been placed at the level of a 2 year old in some areas. Added to his sensory issues I don't think he could manage there into year 1 at a later date anyway. This is beginning to sour the good relationship I've had with the school for the last 4 years. I'm glad my middle child only has 1 more year there tbh

verysillyguy06

mummyroysof3 wrote: »

The school suggested statementing as they want him moved to a special school I agreed as I'm hoping it will force school to do more to help him but its not looking likely that hey are going to make it easy....battling with them might not be worth it if we will have to move him at a later date anyway. He is 4 next month and can't talk and has been placed at the level of a 2 year old in some areas. Added to his sensory issues I don't think he could manage there into year 1 at a later date anyway. This is beginning to sour the good relationship I've had with the school for the last 4 years. I'm glad my middle child only has 1 more year there tbh

It maybe the money they are worried about but at least they could be more open and supportive as it is a scary process for any parent

clarabelle41

I would urge you to get support from your local Parent Partnership & contact IPSEA and/or SOS!SEN, I found dealing with our local SENCAN dept belittling and infuriating. They refused to even assess my child for a Statement, even though the psychiatrist & school wanted it.

Here's some link to help you.
http://specialneedsjungle.com/
http://www.cambiangroup.com/Portals/0/Education%20PDF's/STU714_CAM_SHEET_FINDING_A_SCHOOL_v5.pdf
http://www.sossen.org.uk/

Tigsteroonie

mummyroysof3 wrote: »

The school suggested statementing as they want him moved to a special school I agreed as I'm hoping it will force school to do more to help him but its not looking likely that hey are going to make it easy....battling with them might not be worth it if we will have to move him at a later date anyway. He is 4 next month and can't talk and has been placed at the level of a 2 year old in some areas.

Well he won't get into an SEN school without a Statement and even then it's not guaranteed - there are many more children with statements than there are SEN school places! That's why there are other options like specialist units attached to mainstream, and 1:1 support in mainstream settings. So given that the SA process takes a particular length of time (government-decreed) the school might have no choice than to prepare for having him in September as it may not be resolved by then.

What is SEN school provision like where you are, OP? We're quite fortunate being in a city, there are at least 4 schools here that Andrew could attend. We picked (and eventually were awarded) the school where we think he will develop the best 'school' habits in his early years - he needs to learn to focus on one task and pay more attention to what is going on around him. They also use PECs as part of normal communication.

mummyroysof3

I think we have 4 that are a possibility. They know they have to make plans for September. I just don't think he will progress there with their attitude so far. If he doesn't get a statement then I really hope they see he needs funding enough to cover someone who can teach him or I don't know what we will do.