My DS is nearly 15 and is in a school for children with social, emotional and mental health issues. He has ASC, PDA, and severe anxiety.
He has been in this school since year 9 after previously having 2 years out of school. It took him a little while to settle but overall the school has been amazing for him and we have seen a lot of improvement in his wellbeing. He is a very bright boy and we were assured that this school could cater to all of his needs.
Now he’s more settled, he wants to focus on his exams but it’s apparent he has missed a lot of formal education. DS says that the level of teaching in the school is aimed much more at children who are working behind. For 2 hours per week, DS is taught 121 to his own ability.
DS is now becoming bored because he’s not learning, he’s just repeating basic things he already knows. His behaviour is therefore starting to dip in the classroom. Nothing serious, but his teachers are suprised at the change. He has no chance of accessing his exams at the frequency he is being taught at his own level and he’s starting to panic. The majority (if not all) other DC in the school are working below expectations. DS has always worked at or above this level.
There is no way DS can go back to mainstream and also HE is not an option; he wants to be in school and is generally happy there. He just wants to learn.
What can I do about this?