HE one child while the other goes to school

[worrywortisworrying]

Just need a little reassurance I'm doing the right thing: I'm on the point of deregistering DS from school (He has not started yet. Due to start in September)

DD is 13 months younger than DS and they are incredibly close.

DD will start at a private prep school in September. DS was not accepted (He has a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism).

DS was allocated a place in our local state school, but it is clear that they do not want to accept him. Regardless of the 'rights and wrongs' of them having to accept my DS, the point is: The school don't want him and the will struggle to cope with his behaviour. Yes, the school should put the support in for him, but (I now realise) he has to prove he needs it (which, I think should actually be phrased: He has to FAIL before more support will be allocated.

THerefore, I believe that HE is the only right course of action for DS.

But, does anyone have any experience of sending one child to a rather rigid / formal school while HE the other? I am (I think) planning a rather more formal approach to HE'ing (we will have a tutor for some hours per day - just because this is how DS has progressed well in the past) and the rest of the day being exploratory play.

I never really expected to be in this position and am feeling rather uncertain about the whole thing.

Thankyou

Many people do this. It is possible. I don;'t have personal experience, but I thought I'd put in some reassurance before other people come along.

Yes, I had one in school and one at home for a year when I took DD2 out of school at 8. After a year DD1 wanted to come out too.

The year with one in and one out was fine. Quite nice in some ways, as I used to devote all my energy to DD2 in the day and then DD1 in the evenings. I appreciate this might be harder with an autistic child. I really enjoyed having them both on a one to one.

In September I'll be back in a similar position, as DD1 is off to sixth form college. Whilst I'm going to really miss having them both at home together, I know there will be benefits.

I'd give it a go and see how it pans out. I don't see you have anything to lose. I think in my case DD1 got a bit envious because DD2 and I were swanning off to museums and parks and generally having a whale of a time and she felt as though she was missing all the fun. With a more structured and formal day you'll probably find this less of an issue.

Thankyou Musicposy - that is most appreciated.

I have a friend who has 5 kids. DC1 and 2 home schooled until sixth form. DC3 decided in year 9 to go to school, DC4 exclusively home schooled so far, DC5 has gone to school for a year (6) this year and will see how they go with senior school next year.
Another friend also has 5, and has HEd the eldest 3 for the odd year at different times in their school careers (never as far as I recall at the same time).