Change of school but already in Non Maintained

[MadHen]

Hi,

 

Has anyone ever been in a position where they have needed to move their child out of a non maintained school into another non maintained or independent special school?

 

After long, drawn out talks with our LA, we finally agreed on a placement at the current school (our dd had been out of school for over a year and we could not face a tribunal) even though we had our concerns because it is a MLD/SLD school. It has become clear that the school is not suitable, dd has made little educational progress and socially has regressed. She should have been capable of doing GCSEs, but I cannot see this happening. I am worried that we won't be able to get her moved and she will be stuck at this school making little progress.

 

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Kathryn]

Hi MadHen, welcome to the forum.

 

Just to clarify - is your daughter in an independent special school at the moment? Do you have a particular school in mind that you want her to go to?

 

K x

 

 

 

 

[MadHen]

Hi MadHen, welcome to the forum.

 

Just to clarify - is your daughter in an independent special school at the moment? Do you have a particular school in mind that you want her to go to?

 

K x

 

 

Hi,

 

She is currently in a non-maintained special school, but because she is at the high functioning end of the spectrum she is not being challenged enough as it is a school for moderate to severe learning difficulties and she has been unable to form any appropriate peer relationships in the time she has been there. Due to this, her social skills have regressed dramatically. We would ideally like her to go to a specialist autistic school, Farleligh College is the one we have always had in mind, but the LA have rejected that on cost already, so I wouldn't hold out much hope on that one if we tried again. I have widened my scope to schools that concentrate on speech and language difficulties, as it is her understanding of the english language which is her main problem area, but this still leaves us with a problem, as there are no schools in our local area so she has to go out of county and she needs a residential placement (which she has at the moment).

 

I just want to get her into a school where she can make some progress - she has not had an easy school life. SHe did not enter full time education until she was 7 and then her education was continually interrupted because she is also epileptic and spent a lot of time off school. Her transition into secondary (mainstream) was a nightmare, she only lasted a couple of months and was then out of school totally for over a year before we conceded and agreed to this school where she has in effect lost another year.

 

Thanks

Mx

[Kathryn]

That's a tough situation. You probably know this already but you'd have to gather evidence that the current placement is unsuitable, that no other cheaper school in the independent or maintained sector is suitable, and that the school you want is the only one that can meet her needs. If you can prove that, you could override the objection to cost. Is transport a significant cost?

 

Don't give up, there are people on this forum who have succeeded in getting a place at the school you mentioned, so it's do - able.

 

K x.

[MadHen]

That's a tough situation. You probably know this already but you'd have to gather evidence that the current placement is unsuitable, that no other cheaper school in the independent or maintained sector is suitable, and that the school you want is the only one that can meet her needs. If you can prove that, you could override the objection to cost. Is transport a significant cost?

 

Don't give up, there are people on this forum who have succeeded in getting a place at the school you mentioned, so it's do - able.

 

K x.

 

Thanks Kathryn,

We have spoken to her current school and they have taken some suggestions on board to see if they can make some improvements (social activities with NT children etc so she can have that social experience), but have agreed that if we are still not happy they will call for a Child in Need meeting where her current statement and placement can be reviewed. Basically, they have said that if it's not working they will support us in achieving the best outcome for her. I have only found 2 ASD schools which might be suitable, Heathermount in Ascot and Farleigh - we have restricted our search to 2 1/2 travel as she does not travel well. Both of these are roughly the same cost. The only other option is St Catherines on the Isle of Wight which is a speech and language school, but cheaper than the other 2. Transport to all would be a significant cost, but I would be perfectly happy to concede that and do the transport myself if that was the deal clincher.

 

Mx

[Kazzen161]

I have only found 2 ASD schools which might be suitable, Heathermount in Ascot and Farleigh - we have restricted our search to 2 1/2 travel as she does not travel well. Both of these are roughly the same cost. The only other option is St Catherines on the Isle of Wight which is a speech and language school, but cheaper than the other 2.

 

Have you visited these schools, as they are all very different? When I visited Heathermount 8 years ago it had a very unique ethos, which would not have suited my child.

 

If you let us know where you live, we coud PM you some more suggestion of schools.

[MadHen]

Have you visited these schools, as they are all very different? When I visited Heathermount 8 years ago it had a very unique ethos, which would not have suited my child.

 

If you let us know where you live, we coud PM you some more suggestion of schools.

..

Thanks Kazzen,

 

We live in West Suusex, right on the coast. We have not visited Heathermount and I can't remember why I discounted it a couple of years ago when we first started looking. She had an assessment at Farleigh and was offered a place, to be honest this one is perfect for her and it was the only school where she has actually displayed her true character rather than turning into a timid little mouse. If you have any other suggestions I would be really greatful.

[madsadie]

..

Thanks Kazzen,

 

We live in West Suusex, right on the coast. We have not visited Heathermount and I can't remember why I discounted it a couple of years ago when we first started looking. She had an assessment at Farleigh and was offered a place, to be honest this one is perfect for her and it was the only school where she has actually displayed her true character rather than turning into a timid little mouse. If you have any other suggestions I would be really greatful.

 

Hello MadHen. Have you looked at LVS Hassocks ? It is a new school for asd/communication difficulties. I don't know where you are but as this school is in W Sussex it may be an option for you.

 

All the best