BusyLizzie100 Report post Posted October 24, 2009 Following my post about concerns for my eldest son, it's only fair that I share fantastic news about DS2! He started his new autism-specific school in September, age 9 (nearly 10), and it is absolutely brilliant. He is a changed boy! Right from the beginning he has been happy, very very happy - in all the five years he was at mainstream primary I never saw him as happy as this at the end of the school day, or so willing to go to school - it's fabulous! His teacher says he is 'at home' at school, and I think that's it in a nutshell - he is finally in a place that has meaning for him and where he can understand and be understood, largely without all the environmental issues that he had to deal with at mainstream (ie 30 kids in a class, noise, bustle, talking...) And he's learning, too. Suddenly he is talking about what he has done at school (OK, not a lot, but the odd comment daily is a huge improvement!) and was even explaining to me the other day how the Second World War started. Wow! I am so impressed. The only weird thing is that communication between home-school isn't great; he has a link book but entries are extremely brief and of course because the school is an hour away he comes and goes by taxi so I never see anyone. It's definitely something that could be improved, especially because parents are so distanced, but it doesn't seem to actually be a problem at the moment. He is soooooooo happy, I'm sure he wouldn't be if things weren't just right! I keep pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming... absolutely 100% no regrets about going from mainstream to specialist school, I just regret the fact that he's been denied this opportunity for so long. Thanks for reading <'> <'> Lizzie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skye Report post Posted October 24, 2009 It is really great to hear a positive outcome! Long may it last!! I am sure if the school is as good as it appears to be, you could probably just mention that you would like a bit more detail in the home to school book and maybe you could set something up to go in and see them more regularly or maybe even a weekly phone conversation with someone in the classroom. Seeing the state of DD's home to school book, if she were doing really great then it would probably be empty as they really only showcase the worst bits and problems from they day! Maybe it is a good thing that they have nothing to report! Really pleased for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sally44 Report post Posted October 24, 2009 Glad it is going well. Keep writing in the home school book to encourage school to do the same. If they don't you could email the SENCO and ask for it to be used more as it is the only link you have with school. My son is in the same position. The school recently set up a monthly parents group where all those whose children go in by taxi can get together for a chat/coffee etc and the SENCO sometimes invites people in to speak with us - ones that parents have asked for eg. Parent Partnership, or local Autism support group. The school also use this opportunity to give us access to resources and games that they use with our children so that we can use it like a library and take things home and work with our children. I don't go every month, but it is a useful link. They also have a new out of school co-ordinator who is organising clubs for children that are on the spectrum. My son is now going to the football club which is something I never thought he would do. So if you feel like you do, chances are other parents feel like that too. You could put this view to the SENCO and see if there is any way that parents could get together. However I am at exactly the same stage with my older daughter, because now she goes to school on her own. So I have no contact with that school either. So it really depends on what the benefits are of being in touch with the school. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JsMum Report post Posted October 24, 2009 At Js school the teacher rings regular with updates and if I need to share anything, if it would help what about a 10-20 mins slot with a teacher to discuss any concerns over the phone, we regularly have weekly sessions just to share positives and difficult moments, it really helps to eliviate the anxieties and to keep intouch with the school, there is also email contact and the schools communication system via computer, Im pleased your DS2 is doing really well. JsMumxxx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mandapanda Report post Posted October 26, 2009 I'm very pleased for you, and just a little envious! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted November 2, 2009 Missed this thread as I was away. It should have happened much much sooner, buit long may the good times continue. <'> K x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trekster Report post Posted November 3, 2009 Hello Im very pleased your middle child is getting the support he needs at last. Success stories like this remind me of why i try and help the NAS with their campaigning. Alexis Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BusyLizzie100 Report post Posted November 3, 2009 Yay! And now communication has improved too! I put lots of concerns in the link book after half term and the school phoned me straightaway and has given me lots of information and advice, is putting timetables together to use at home and is addressing the homework issue... Am happy again!! Lizzie xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
