What did school mean as ‘at least until year nine’ in terms of her ability to stay in mainstream school?

[WestCountryDragonBalls]

I asked primary school SENCO to be honest, so I’m not annoyed and I know they can’t predict the future or know about secondary pathways. I recently had the EHCP review for daughter with learning difficulties and anxiety/ ADHD (?). I asked if I should be looking at mainstream or specialist secondaries. The school said that they see no reason her needs can’t be met until ‘at least year nine’ and then we may need to consider something else for GCSE. I used to know some kids in secondary who went to technical college for most of their lessons in years 10 and 11, but does this still happen and is this what they mean? Because the thought of her establishing friends just to move in year 10 feels very harsh on my daughter who, to be honest, only really enjoys the social aspect of school.
Can anyone share their experiences? I’m torn between exploring specialist schools earlier and sticking with mainstream.

I took my son out of mainstream end of reception as it was clear he couldn't cope (adopted, severe emotional and behavioural issues). I thought he might be able to return in six months or a year but I realised he would never be able to and started the process to find a special school. He started aged 8.

It has been fantastic. He's now 13 and I am so grateful I didn't have to start looking when he was older, I think the older the child the harder it is and the more likely they end up excluded and pushed into unsuitable short term PRUs etc when they can't cope. Demands at school get higher as children get older and there is less and less tolerance for additional needs.

Its not easy to get funding for a special school, expect a battle so I would advise starting now.

I think it’s because most schools don’t offer alternatives to gcses

100% start looking now. The process to placement in specialist schools can be arduous especially if there’s EHCP appeals to factor in. It can literally take years.

Year 9 many schools pick GCSE options.
Don't worry too much about the social aspect - from my experience there's a lot of friendship issues/changes in yr8 & 9 and a change might not be a bad thing. Good friendships can be fostered in other ways if not at school together.

The demands, academically and socially, ramp up as DC move through secondary school. Some DC can manage KS3, especially if the school has a nurture group or transition group, but struggle as they move up the school.

Having said that, I wouldn’t base your decision on the SENCO’s view. Look at all options, SS and MS.