DS will be 6 at the end of this month, and is coming the end of Year 1. Acedamically he has struggled massively. He is still on 'red books' which is about the expected level of a child a few months into reception. He can barely write. He understands maths and can do maths in his head but he cannot read the questions or write the answers, and the result is that he has been labelled as behind in the subject to. He loves art and design, science and recently become interested in history. He has asked to learn french, but the french club at school is full up so he can't go. He struggles with both his fine and gross motor skills. He goes to gymnastics once a week which has helped his confidence massively and has imporved his gross motor skills. He has a very poor attention span and no memory. He is inquisitive and loves to ask why!
The school focus entirely on litracy and over look the things he is better at. They have given him additional support in lessons, with he SENCO, for his litracy which has been great. However, they have only just completed an IEP for him, at my request. I have also requested a referal the Ed Psyhc but that is looking pretty hopeless. The school's attitude is that we should know how lucky we are that they help as much as they do and be grateful.
We have had several problems with the Head, who is an aggressive bully. I won't go into detail because it's a long story, but the upshot is, I do not agree with his approach to either teaching or health and safety. I have made a formal written complaint to the Board of Governers and waiting for a reply.
Overall, we are very unhappy with the school and he most probably will be moving.
However, DS is not unhappy at school. He has a few good friends, has not experienced any bullying and seems to enjoy everyday life. He rarely complains about school.
There is another local school we have looked at, which appears to be lovely and has a much better reputation for dealing with additional needs. The Head is also friendly and a nice person! We visited on Friday and the Head warned me that 4 other children had applied to move to the school in DS's year group this week and that getting a place would not be easy.
I have always liked the idea and principles of HE and wish I had done it from the start. I work as a child minder and therefore am availble, at home to do this and still provide financially. I feel that HE is really an extension of what I already do with my child minded children. I am confident that I could meet DS's academic needs for at least the next few years. I am doing a degree in Early Years Education (that's 0-8yo).
My question is, would it be the right thing for DS? Would it be cruel to remove him from his friends (although this is probably happening anyway if he has to move schools). Would I be choosing HE for the 'right' reasons, as DS is not unhappy.
I think we are probably better off trying to get him a place at the other school but I am very wary of trusting anyone else with DS. What if we are moving from the frying pan into the fire?!
I am terrified that moving him at all is going to emotionally hurt him. I do not know what is best but we can't carry on as it is. 