Phoning school

[Clarkie]

Hi Peeps,

 

I'm making the call tomorrow to the Special Residential School we have in mind

I know it sounds a stupid question, but what should I be saying to them?

 

Nothing has been agreed as yet by the authorities to fund etc - so are they likely to talk to me and let us go and have a look?

 

Don't know if I'm allowed to name the school - another member has already given me really good reports - but advice on what sort of questions to ask would be good. I don't know that they even have any places available and my stomach is doing somersaults.

 

Any advice would be real welcome.

 

Cheers guys -

Clarkie

Edited March 17, 2006 by Clarkie

[ray]

Hi Clarkie, I'd guess it would be down to the culture/philosophy of the individual school for the visit, but don't really see why not. I'm a strong believer in trusting yr instincts, and relying on your intuition - dont worry about the details on your first visit, or what questions to ask - just go and see whether it feels the right place for R. If they're as good as the reports suggest I'm sure anyway they'll help you with it all and be experienced enough to answer a lot of the questions you'd naturally ask. Then, when you get home, think about what you've seen and heard, list your questions, and go back and see them again or give them a ring. That way, it takes a bit of the pressure off.

 

In terms of the conflict and the switching between the two views, I can always tell with Alex that this is a sure sign that subconsciously he knows its a thing he ought to do, or wants to do, and rather than internalising the debate and reaching a decision/view, it all comes out as external 'conflict'.

 

Best of luck.

 

ray

[bevalee]

Hi Clarkie

 

My son goes to a Specialist AS school, but i visited quite a few before we found the right placement that suited him. Try the website:

 

www.oassis.co.uk

 

Under 'info sheets' under education there is a sheet called 'Independant Schools and What to Look for', Its quite good.

 

You have to have an offer of a place from the school before you can 'Name' it on the statement. If they don't agree to fund the placement you will probably have to go to Tribunal.

 

My son son didn't want to go residential at first but now he loves it.

 

Good Luck!

[phasmid]

Ask them if you can go and have a look. Most schools are pretty open to this. A special school may however want to give you a specific time and be prepared to not be allowed into certain classrooms (visitors can upset some children). The important thing is to take it all in and see what you think of it. The questions you need answering: Are the children happy and settled, are they engaged in the work, are they well supported, what is the pastoral care like? etc. That sort of thing. You have to go with gut instinct, as someone else has already said. You know your child better than anyone, you'll know whether it's right or not. If needs be go back with a list of questions prompted by your first visit.

 

Good luck.

[Kazzen161]

Many schools will let you visit on a certain day - some will only let you visit once the LEA has agreed to consider the school - you can only find out by asking.

 

Just say that your child has AS, and is not coping in mainstream very well and you would like to get some idea of what other options are available. Most schools have an enquiry form to fill in, so they will ask his age, his dx, where he is in school now, what LEA he is in, etc.

 

Karen

[lorryw]

Just ring them tomorrow and ask if you could make an informal visit. When we were looking at schools (many moons ago) we visited several including residential. We always found them very welcoming and helpful. Be brave, pick up the phone tomorrow and give them a ring.

Let us know how you get on

Love Loraine

[Flora]

I rang a specialist school a couple of weeks ago that I have in mind for my son. They have a very methodical admission process which in most cases will include allowances for the fact that the parents might be going to tribunal (which is the case with me). There is very little explaining to do. I was a bit nervous when I rang them but they were really friendly and knew exactly where I was coming from without me having to go in to lengthy explanations (they know the form). The head teacher rang me last week at 9pm at night, and was really nice. She asked if my son had a definite dx, and we arranged a date in December to visit the school (without my son). They then wait to hear back from you if you want to proceed, and if you do the admission procedure is underway with a time schale allowing for any fights you may have to get funding from the LEA.

 

Hope this helps, and good luck!

 

Lauren

[Kathryn]

Hi Clarkie,

 

If it's the school I think it is you need have no worries - they are used to parents in your situation and will be very happy to answer your questions. Just explain the whole situation and make an appointment to go and visit.

 

K

[bid]

Hi Clarkie

 

Bevalee's son also goes to the school you are considering, and Kathryn and her husband have visited too (Auriel showed them round!! ).

 

Just ask to speak to the Principal's P.A. and explain your whole situation.

 

I think Ray's advice is very good, and Bevalee's link to a list of questions you could think about.

 

I was in a complete tizzle when I visited the only two schools in the country that were appropriate for Auriel . My LEA officer told me that when I found the right school for my son, I would 'just know'. I thought she was mad, but in actual fact she was quite right. One school was wonderful, but I just 'knew' it wasn't right for Auriel. But when visited the school he now goes to with him, we just looked at each other and we really did 'just know' it was perfect for him!

 

I also believe the school you are planning to visit can offer a lot of advice and support over going for funding.

 

Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

Bid

[phasmid]

How did the phone call go??

[koala]

hi koala here i phoned up some special schools today for k have been putting it off ,so today was the day it was fine they were all helpful it did,t make me feel any better but the first step is there we will be visiting them over the next few weeks take care koala

[Clarkie]

Hello everyone -

 

Just to let you all know that I made the call but need to send them information from the experts before they can consider letting us view the school to see whether or not it would be appropriate.

 

So I'm really nervous right now.

 

All the professionals seem to be backing us up 100% - they all seem to be in agreement with what needs to be done and are very supportive.

 

I'm just hoping with everything I've got that the school will call me back to let me know they think they can help.

Should be able to tell you more tomorrow if they phone me back.

 

If it's a NOT SUITABLE then I shall be in a state - so please everyone keep your fingers and toes crossed.

 

Will let you know.

 

Thanks y'all.

 

Clarkie

Edited March 17, 2006 by Clarkie

[bevalee]

Hi Clarkie

 

I will keep finger's and toe's crossed for you. I'm sure every thing will be ok.

[annie]

Keeping everything crossed for you

 

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[Clarkie]

Can't seem to get on the OASSIS website

www.oassis.co.uk

Anyone any ideas.

Thanks

Clarkie

[bevalee]

Hi Clarkie

 

www.oaasis.co.uk

[bevalee]

Sorry, typing error.

[Clarkie]

Hi folks - quick update

 

Just to let y'all know that I have an appointment next Tuesday with the Special School we are considering. This was welcome news as we have heard good reports about this school.

 

So all your good thoughts worked - now to that the school is suitable.

 

Thanks again to one and allLater people....

Clarkie

 

 

PS Beverley - thanks for the OAASIS - that is a great info page on schools and questions. Shall be taking them with me.

Edited March 17, 2006 by Clarkie

[bevalee]

Hi Clarkie

 

I hope that you like the school as much as we did.

 

Good Luck! The staff are really lovely there

[Kathryn]

Clarkie,

 

Great news . It sounds like you have a great support team too - it makes all the difference.

 

I hope you manage to get some sleep tonight too.

 

K x