To not know what the hell to do

[tigerscameatnight]

Four years ago we applied for a school. Didn't get a place and asked to be left on the waiting list. Dd was in year 3 at the time.
Fast forward she's just finished year seven at the local secondary. We have had an AWFUL year. Dd has some extra needs and was very overwhelmed and having huge meltdowns at home. The week before she left she told her teacher she wasn't coming back.

The holidays have passed and she's relaxed and is looking forward to going back. I know this will be short lived especially as she has had a fall out with her only friend.

So Friday night I pick up an answer machine and have a message saying the waiting list school has a place for her. Longer school run as we have moved in between but much much smaller classes , less disruption in classes, better gcse scores , nicer environment.

Dd is saying she would rather stay where she is due to x child who's mentioned moving herself!

Is child x at dd s current school but may move to the potential new school?

But surely one is a primary school and one is a senior school?

Just going by your description of the new school, I'd move her like a shot.

I'd move her.

I have a child with ASD and - for all the things you mention (smaller classes, less disruption etc) I would go with that.

Is it a middle school?

Child x is at the current school but the parents were considering moving them to a nearer school to where they live. (Not the same as the one dd s been offered.)

The new school has a primary and secondary department.

Current school has very dedicated staff mostly, senco is great but it has around 1500 pupils and is massive.

I would look round the new school. Don't just assume they'll be better at meeting her needs cause it is a small school with good grages, talk to them about her needs, how they might meet them, home/school communication and anything else you can think of. Even if you did this 3 years ago, do it again cause staff and attitudes can change. If you like what you see then I'd consider moving her.

Visit the new school and find out what they can offer your daughter that the current school can't. Even though on paper the new school is better it may not be right for you. I usually rely on a gut feeling when speaking to teachers, you can tell if they're really passionate or going through the motions. Good luck and I hope it works out.