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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To deregister?

33 replies

NameChangeAgain222 · 15/07/2020 17:41

Sorry if this has been done, I can't find another thread.

I'm thinking of deregistering my kids and continuing to homeschool in September. They will be in year group bubbles with 90 kids per bubbles and no PPE. My younger two are too young to properly wash their hands etc, and younger DS has always had a bad chest. I know the rates are low now but surely by October it's going to be like March again?

On top of this, my elder DS has ASD and they won't allow any kind of phased return to settle him in after 6 months off. He's never met the teacher or assistant he will have next year and apparently won't be allowed to use the toilet outside of set times (he has accidents when he's stressed). I feel like they don't want him there, yet they'll fine me if I keep him off.

My DH agrees with me but my family have said I'm 'being ridiculous' and that the kids need to socialise. This is despite my uncle ending up in the ICU with coronavirus after catching it from his granddaughter who caught it at school.

Thank you if you've read this far! I'm just hoping for some more points of view.

YABU - get them back in school
YANBU - deregister

OP posts:
NameChangeAgain222 · 15/07/2020 19:44

@dododotheconga I'm sorry you're in that position. I'm lucky I at least have a choice. Flowers

OP posts:
RippleEffects · 15/07/2020 20:04

It sounds as though you should have enough evidence to get an application in for a parent request EHCP assessment.

As part of the assessment you can request all sorts of reports from specialists and then the world starts to open up. You can also request to talk to these specialists as part of the process and they can help to address your concerns.

Diagnosis fear is massive. I remember it all to well. The thing is it doesn't get tatooed on your (or your DS's) head.

There are a few circumstances as an adult where it could effect life choices. You have to disclose for a frontline military role - so military service may be out.

There are very few ocassions when it has to be shared. Its his diagnosis for you to use to his advantage. In the most part the only people entitled to what is confidential medical information are those you share it with.

After a few wobbles about labeling, this parenting lark isn't easy, we went with the diagnosis route.

In yr 5 my DS got into an Autism provision. At the time school provision was managing him not doing activities PE, music lessons etc having lots of quiet time and he was not really mark making whilst I knew he was intelligent. All his peers got ahead of him.

With the right schooling, he went from off the bottom of age expected scores to above average SATS in less than 2 years.

We were also able to get Disability Living Allowance, we used this for buying him tech, lots of noise cancelling headphones and ear defenders, plus things like getting a bigger rental on holiday so he could have allocated quiet space. Its given us a better resemlance of family life plus a diagnosis has ment we can be fast tracked through security at airports and seated on planes first - opening up the world.

Moving forwards another smaller battle got us to an Autism provision associated with a mainstream secondary and not without the odd challenge on route we're now expecting some 9's on results day - he got quite a few in his mocks.

DS has just signed a contract for an apprenticeship with a large multinational, not as a special needs nod, but because he's an amazing young man and his varied education has allowed him to become that. I'm degree educated, Mechanical Engineering, but I couldn't of nurtured him in the way he has been at secondary. Its better than a living wage - a proper job within society. Something I could barely have dreamed of back in primary school.

His diagnosis, provision support and EHCP mean we have been able to get assistance with things like transport to school - so I can manage his younger siblings. We/ He is now in receipt of Personal Independance Payments and as EHCP's carry on through to 25 he is getting transitional support into the workplace. For us diagnosis opened many doors. I haven't yet hit any that its closed.

RippleEffects · 15/07/2020 20:12

I've just cross posted and seen the comments on worried he will define himself by it. DS's teacher at primary used to say its just a part of you. Its part of what makes you you. Like brown hair, blue eyes, a caring personality, ability to keep trying even when things get tough. Many other people are also amazing and autistic. She had a list that I won't quote because I'm not 100% they're all official diagnosis.

Aveisenim · 15/07/2020 20:52

This is the guidance for LAs (there's 2 documents)

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/791527/Elective_home_education_gudiance_for_LAv2.0.pdf

Best thing you can do? On facebook, join one of the national home ed groups and type in 'Home Education' followed by the local authority you come under to find out what your LA is like (good or bad etc). the a home ed group for parents of kids with special needs too.

You can apply for an EHCP even if you home ed and will still have access to school nurses etc if you wish to.

GinDrinker00 · 15/07/2020 20:54

Your choice. However if your going out, going to the shops it’s no different to them going to school. Personally I think your being highly unreasonable but each to their own.

Hercwasonaroll · 15/07/2020 20:57

I'd be more worried about not having a diagnosis. If you have a diagnosis and EHCP it's easier to get back into school if you need it. You may also be entitled to support and provision. (I know I know funding and its not always that easy) but at least with the paperwork you have options. Without it you have no rights to anything.

I'd also be thinking about the future, homeschooling is fine for now, what if he becomes very difficult behaviourally and you want to look at AP when he's a teenager? It'll be slightly easier if you have the paperwork now.

The PP who used the example of a diagnosis opening doors is correct. A diagnosis opens many doors and barely closes any. You can still homeschool with a diagnosis.

Witchcraftandhokum · 15/07/2020 21:43

So you're going to keep them home for an extra 6 months and then expect their teachers to be able to get them caught up when they return?

JustaJesta · 16/07/2020 14:33

I home educate three, the youngest has special needs.

Home education is flexible. It is not school at home. You don't need to be their teacher, just be their parent that knows them best, knows their strengths and weaknesses, where they need extra help. What they absolutely shine at and what they struggle with.

Show them the world, give them opportunities, allow them to learn at their own pace, they don't have to 'keep up'. It can be as structured or as unstructured as you like. Education is broad, huge, endless and there are many paths into it and around it. It is not something that can only be accomplished behind the school doors. Socialisation is more natural too and certainly perfectly possible and healthy to achieve without school.

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