To send my SEN child to boarding school abroad?

I really recommend trying mediation before tribunal. Lots of people see it as a delay tactic from the local authority but it can actually work.

Have you looked round local authority specialist secondary schools? If not, do that first-hopefully you’ll find one that meets need an where you think she’ll fit in. Then do mediation with the local authority. If that doesn’t work then go to tribunal. I did this and got my son into the specialist secondary that they initially said he couldn’t go to and that wasn’t appropriate for him (it absolutely was an he’s now thriving there).

No way would I have sent my young SEN DC to a boarding school! This must be a joke post but I will respond anyway.

They need their parents and the parents need to do whatever it takes to give a safe and loving home.

Keep fighting for a place, I did. Meanwhile other options, but a young child with issues is going to be terrified.

As I said, don't believe this is real.

Is this post real or just a cruel wind up?

Why don't you want to move to Ireland then you can be near to her then.

You make the por child sound like a bit of a nuisance for you.

Sorry @Alunayesterday 20.51 , I meant that in answer to a pp.

SEN provision is expensive and private schools are all about profit.

I disagree that all private schools are all about profit.

why did you have a child if your wanting to send child away? I,ve met adults who went to boarding school and they had a lonely,tormented traumatic childhood and have attachment issues….. mental…

You might look at the Drogheda Grammar School...
I was there many years ago and it was very much based around strong pastoral support... class sizes used to be around 20... and was very much influenced by the Quaker tradition

Wha reason have the LA given for not making parental preference? Can local schools meet need?
have you a private school in mind? What county are you in?
you should quote section Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 : The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
having been there with the LA I feel your frustrations! they backed down after me quoting this at them. We’re in Wiltshire.
good luck!

Surely being at the local school would be better for her than being sent away, all things considered.

And what difference does it make if parents or grandparents pay for it?

Okay, then you can’t afford it? Like most people.

Please don’t do that. I could have cried reading your post.

Is sending your Sen child away to Ireland REALLY the best option for them? Are you able to home educate?

Why are you accepting the LA school?

if you have supportive evidence (for small class sizes etc) find a school that will meet need, doesn’t need to be in your borough, and can be independent (whether Sen or mainstream indie) then lodge an appeal at sendist tribunal for that school.

placement at a school is completely different process with an ehcp.

Parents can express a preference but it’s not a guaranteed choice.

You genuinely think being sent away from home at 11 years old is better than being with you at a school close to home?

What does your child want to do?

My ND ds would have fallen apart being sent to boarding school, but I accept that ND children are as diverse as NT children and some would possibly thrive in a more regulated setting.

I am so sorry to hear about this dilemma. I recall an acquaintance telling me a while ago that they were being denied a place for their SEN child at a specialist school local to them. I understand they then found a solicitor who had themselves experienced this issue and with their help and experience they managed to challenge the decision, settlled out of court and the child was admitted to the school.

Yes but upthread I’ve explained that private schools in Ireland do not have the standards of resource for SEN children that some schools would have in the UK, that is all state.

The model is very different to the UK in terms of public/private. Private school teachers are paid from public money which is why they are much cheaper than the UK but they also do not typically have a good record for SEN provision because they are academically focussed.

Wow poor child. Stand up and fight for the school you need for your child.

Oh sorry! I didn't realise it was state - that exists in the UK too but OP wants private.

No not per term. Google convent girls boarding schools in Ireland. I’m sure you’ll find them. These are not private schools so school books are free uniform is not included in that.

Is it? We have 2 kids with ASD our experience has been phenomenal ASD preschool, ASD unit for all of primary and significant resource and integration with mainstream. Mainstream in secondary even though Level 2 autistic in a school with phenomenal pastoral care, outstanding for that child.

For the other child intervention from a few months into junior infants right through to 6th, in a different school. Hopeless pastoral care in that secondary school, the school is just poor at it so I’d say it is school dependent here.

Thankfully our elder child really didn’t need it in secondary school as she is extremely bright.

I only hear people speaking about significant issues on here so I’d presumed the UK was poor and while Ireland is far from perfect obviously we know tonnes of other autism parents with similar experiences to ourselves.

That's crazy. Definitely not per term?

Have you identified a school in the uk you want her to go to and the LA have said no? If so, appeal.

Imo sen kids need a lot of parental support. They often keep a lot in during the day then need to "decompress" at home. Boarding schools are not geared up for this. Also they suit girls who have adequate social skills and who are robust enough to cope in a quite intense atmosphere. Is your daughter like this?

I have two daughters who had ehc plans so I know what it's likevto find a good fit school. But imo the support they need out of school is just as important as the school itself.