Keeping our options open

twinklie

becky170 said:

In other news to have started the process of applying for an EHCP for our son. Our council is not running to the legal timeframes for the EHNCA process so I have no idea when they will issue but at least it's in progress and will be in place before secondary school (unless they won't issue but I will fight that it that's the outcome). School are supporting him which is the main thing. Our DD is showing signs of dyslexia too. It's heartbreaking seeing her try so hard but struggling. I'm saving up our child benefit to pay for a dyslexia assessment once she is old enough. 

DS2 got his EHCP this year which was much needed for him. All LAs nationally are having sufficiency issues so most are working outside of timescales (I work in inclusion). 

Schools theoretically should be able to put quite a bit of provision in place if needed outside of having an EHCP. Some schools do, some don’t. 

DS1 (ASD, hypermobile and some fine motor difficulties), moved to high school this year. We were very anxious about how he would cope with all the changes, moving around, different teachers etc. He’s absolutely thriving. He says it’s much better than primary school. He feels more supported and the rules and structure provide him with a clear outline each day which reassures him. They’ve put loads of interventions in place for him and he has a laptop he carries round for extended pieces of writing. He doesn’t have an EHCP - but the support has been phenomenal. They’ve been very proactive. 

I just wanted to try and offer some reassurance that the transition to high school can be a positive one. 

becky170

Thanks so much twinkle. I'm really pleased to hear that DS1 has settled in really well to secondary school and that they have been really supportive. 

DS' primary school have been really supportive which I am very grateful for. They are also looking out for DD. Hopefully there will be lots of positive points for DS going to secondary school. Maybe I am worried about nothing but the fact that he has no acceptance of authority figures does worry me for secondary school, as the local secondary school has gone very authoritarian which may not be the best environment for him. Although as one senco at a secondary school I visited said, he's not going for another year and a half and a lot can change in that time. 

twinklie

I’d definitely agree with that. The child DS1 was at the start of year 6 was not the same one that finished the year! The change in him was amazing. The change in him from September to now is even bigger. Honestly, I hardly recognise him (in the best way). 

Some people describe DS1s school as a prison camp ( ) because it’s so strict, but it has really worked for him. DS2 has a couple of years to go yet, but I’m sure I’ll be back in panic mode when it’s him. 

I found year 6 a lot and really hard going as a parent, but year 7 has been a dream by comparison. Far fewer issues for us anyway. 

savingholmes

Well done on the OPs and your OP plan. Don't neglect your pension either along the way as that can give an on-going income. 

On your children - I wish you all the best. I'm glad you have managed to get some diagnoses - that can be a battle in itself - but at least once the labels are in place it is easier to get support. 

becky170

Thank you for everyone's kind words. It means a lot to hear other people's experiences and advice 

As it's the first of the month I have made my first overpayment of £250 to our mortgage for 2025. I have also transferred £225 to our home improvement fund. Here's to new windows in 2025 

savingholmes

Well done - that's a fab start to the year. Happy New Year!

becky170

Another £300 overpaid to the mortgage today. Had a takeaway too which isn't very money saving, but it's been a long week. Roll on half term.

savingholmes

Well done on your OP.

becky170

Well I have been well and truly missing in action. I had hoped that 2025 would be the year I got on top of life but fast forward to December and there's still been no progress. Maybe 2026 is the year 

There have been ups and downs this year and I guess the highlights are:

1) We went glamping for the first time
2) The kids got a taste for hot tubs after both our holidays had hot tubs
3) DS had a great year 5 and is now in his last year at primary school
4) DD is still enjoying school and has some lovely friends
5) We have continued to overpay the mortgage by £300 per month
6) I have made time to do more reading 
 
I haven't thought about my mortgage aims yet for next year. We are still waiting to hear about a secondary school place for my DS as the local ones have said that they can't meet his needs and depending on where he goes we may need to jig our working arrangements around which will then have a knock on impact on our financial decisions. I guess for now we will continue with our £300 overpayment and then keep adding to the savings. 

The main aim for next year is to declutter. We have made a start but it's slow going. We have always been bad at getting rid of things but from going through old paperwork etc it looks like it all went to pot during COVID when things started hitting the fan with DS at school and we were trying to juggle homeworking, a toddler and a struggling child. I think for 2026 I am going to adopt a one in one out policy so that when we buy something new we have to get rid of something old. And I am also not allowed to get any more carrier bags! 

twinklie

Bless you. Juggling the school situation and working is HARD. DS1 is not an independent traveller so DH is taking and picking him up. Whereas I’m taking DS2 in the complete opposite direction at the same time. I’m hoping they both end up at the same school but I’m not 100% where DS2 will end up currently. I’m hoping he will be okay in mainstream though. 

Tomorrow is a new day and all that. Plus OPs of £300 per month are nothing too be sniffed at.