Learning difficulties, ASD, adhd school choices

[Mumoftwo23]

Do you think mainstream is sufficient for a child with learning difficulties (year 3) who is 2.5 years behind academically? Has friends and is doing “OK” on the surface. Has autism, adhd and is increasingly showing anxiety and ocd type behaviours as well as slightly PDA. Is well behaved at school but quite avoidant and low self esteem, can’t fully engage in the typical school experience like has never done sports day, a school play etc etc. Has been offered a place in a independant specialist but now I am doubting whether it’s the right choice or not. Would have to travel to the specialist where as currently goes to village school a 5 min walk away. He is super capable and bright, he often feels frustrated but I don’t know if the situation is bad enough to warrant specialist. Has anyone had experience with a similar situation?

What "type" of school is the specialist?

It’s an independent mainstream prep school that specialises in learning difficulties and neurodiversity

Does your child have an EHCP?

I’d certainly try the independent.

I woukd definitely try the independent school.

He's not really doing well in mainstream.
It will all get much harder for him in the next few years.

Yes he has an EHCP. his current school state they can meet need, I don’t agree- they don’t even attempt half of what’s on his plan! Am calling an early annual review soon to try get the independent named. Current school think I’m being over the top so that’s why I’m doubting myself I think!

Your right. It’s likely to only get harder as he gets older. I very much struggle with being assertive and self doubt. Must try to work on this for his sake!

Its incredibly hard to challenge a school.
Be kind to yourself and concentrate on moving him.

Thank you, 🙏 appreciate your kind words!

Please join us on the support thread OP! We will stiffen your resolve and suggest what to say and do. You are your child's best advocate.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/special_educational_needs/5484488-ehcp-support-thread-no-6?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

Are the council saying they will fund the specialist provision or are you going to pay for it yourself?

Current mainstream says it can meet needs although we disagree. So will be a case of battling with the LA to fund the place

My child who was showing some anxiety in Y3 but mostly doing ok with an EHCP was struggling significantly by Y5, has completely fallen apart in Y6 and thank goodness starts at specialist in September. Based on my own experience I'd absolutely take up the place.

If he's working 2.5y behind, can't access sports days etc and they can't or won't meet his EHCP then they're not really meeting needs are they!

I would pursue a move. The demands, academic and otherwise, increase as DC move through KS2. School sounds tricky for DS at the moment. That is likely to become more marked as DS moves through KS2. It is possible to secure a move even if the school is saying they can meet needs. You will need evidence and may have to appeal but don’t give up.

You should check if the independent is a specialist school or a mainstream school (even if it isn’t your typical MS).

If the provision in F isn’t being provided, have you spoken to the LA? The LA is ultimately responsible for the provision in F, and it can be enforced, including via JR if necessary. Although that is only possible if the wording is detailed, specified and quantified rather than vague and woolly, so you should look at the EHCP.

That will be the difficult part. Good luck.

These are my concerns with remaining in mainstream. He’s only 8, I really feel he shouldn’t be going through so much so young and deserves to thrive!
the school is classed as independant main stream, many of the students there are funded by EHCP as there isn’t really any schools in the area for autism/learning difficulties that aren’t either SEMH or profound disability

Oh bless him that sounds like it’s been really challenging. I hope he has a better time in his new school ♥️