I need positive stories of DC moving to SN school please

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My Ds loves his mainstream school but is having to move to SN as his needs are too high for mainstream. I know it's the best thing but I'm so sad about it all. The school he is moving to is fantastic and I'm impressed with them already but does anyone have any positive stories to share to reassure me please?

My daughter moved from mainstream to specialist ASD school and it's been hugely positive for her and the whole family! She is mentally in a really good place now and getting a wonderful education, smaller class sizes and she no longer feels like an outsider. I hope your son settles in well to his new school! I felt utter relief when secured her place to be honest. All the best!

Thanks for sharing. I'm pleased your dad has had a positive experience. Hopefully it will be the same for my Ds. I had a baby 6 weeks ago so I don't think my hormones are helping me think clearly.

DD not dad!

I used to work in a SN school. For a couple of years and not on a contract so was moved around the school to different areas. It was one of the most caring places I worked in, the staff honestly cared about every aspect of every child. Staff meetings meant all the staff, kitchen staff, cleaners, out of hours staff all attended. The Head’s thinking was that we all looked after these children in different ways so everyone’s opinion was valued. Specialisms within the school were the best I’ve ever seen and I learnt a lot working there. Some children took external exams ( GCSEs etc) and were supported really well. Most didn’t but they had a huge variety of subjects. I learnt French and even a bit of woodwork just by working there.
I hope your DD has a great experience at her new school.

I teach in a Special needs school and every year we have children who come from mainstream and generally they absolutely thrive. I've heard some great feedback from parents as to how much happier their kids are.
Smaller classes, more adults, work pitched at their level, it all takes away stress.

My DS moved out of mainstream in Year 2. Best thing we ever did. He absolutely loves it, told me after moving that he wished he’d gone to his new school a long time ago. Everything and everyone is geared up to help him. It’s not been a magic fix where all his problems have gone away. But the difference is now he’s surrounded by people with the time and knowledge to handle any differences.

It’s been great for us too. I no longer dread the end of the day when the teacher appears to say “can we just have a little chat.” No more endless meetings with the Head. No more picking him up early (aka illegal exclusions). We can do stuff on the weekends because he hasn’t used all his spoons surviving the school week.

He is accessing far more of the curriculum than he ever did before, he now writes and draws and loves maths. He is becoming more social. It’s been the making of him.

My daughter moved to an SN school in year 7.Like you I was so worried but it was the best thing for her.
She spent two terrible terms in mainstream secondary. We went to view the sn school and she came out beaming.
She is now year 10 and she has totally blossomed, definitely the right decision.
Good luck with the move.

Thank you all so much. Ds had his last day in mainstream yesterday and it was very emotional picking him up. Hopefully the move will be as successful as it has been for your DC.

Mine moved in y7. Best thing we ever did. He's in 6th form now and has loved his time at the school.

GD left main stream private school for SN School and has done amazingly well. She will get 5 good GCSEs and is going on to college knowing what she wants to do with her life. She has regained her confidence and is now able to go to restaurants, theatre and shopping. None of which she could do 4 years ago. She even has a boyfriend and is doing work experience.

We moved our daughter from
Mainstream to SN school and like others it was the best thing we have ever done for her. She loves school, she has peers, no adjustments need to be made for her as he environment is made for her and her peers. It is honestly one of the happiest places and I love her school.
Also the positive impact on the family cannot be underestimated. She was so stressed at mainstream but is safe and happy at her special school.
This time next year you will look back and be amazed at the difference it’s made I would imagine.

There is loss when they move out of mainstream no doubt about it. My daughter is sad that her school is further away, so being out of the community isn’t easy. But you can be both sad that your child is leaving mainstream and feel that loss and happy and excited for the new chapter. Allow yourself to feel both feelings.

Good luck to you and your son x