Any tips on requesting flexi schooling?

[flatcapp]

DS has been off school with severe anxiety for 3 weeks now, with the support of our GP. We're waiting for a CAMHS referral and I'm looking for a private therapist in the meantime.

He's due to go back to school on Monday, but after a meltdown earlier I can't see that happening.

I do believe the best thing for him would be flexi schooling, so he can work at home towards his exams, and go into school if he feels able. I would hope that, perhaps in the New Year, once we've had a few therapy sessions and he's a bit stronger, he could return to school ready (and hopefully in a good place) for his exams.

Any tips on persuading the Head? When I broached the idea with the SENDCO, she laughed and said you can't pick and choose. I know legally you can, if the Head agrees....

Thanks

I think it would be difficult, if the class is in the middle of tests, doing project work. Going over previous homework your DS wouldn't be in the best position to join in. Also I think it would be difficult for your DS to maintain friendships. It could perhaps not help his anxiety if he feels different to all his classmates who attend full time.

Without SENDCO on your side it will be harder.
Focus on this being a temporary step and the aim being to return to school full time. Stress the steps you are taking to help that Camhs/therapist. You will probably be more likely to get a positive response if rather than a vague come in if he's able you are prepared to aim for something like, he goes in for Maths or 3 mornings at first and have regular meetings to build up. Schools are more likely to approve a flexischool plan with a structure.

The LA should be involved by now, as your son has missed at least 15 days of school in total this year due to ill health. The school ought to have informed them as soon as that milestone was passed or as soon as it seemed likely that it would happen. Have they done that? There will be a named contact at the LA responsible for ensuring your son's educational needs are met, and you should have been given their contact details. Education might be provided via out-of-school tuition (e.g. sending a tutor to your home if appropriate or paying for an internet school), or by liaising with the school to make sure the school is taking appropriate steps such as sending work home for your son or looking at a part-time timetable. In some cases the school might be able to provide suitable education without any outside help, but the LA person should still be keeping an eye on how it's going.

I should think that person might be rather more clued up than your SENCO. If your son can't attend full-time, he can't attend. The school should be open to the possibility at least that part-time attendance might be a solution, either as a temporary or longer-term arrangement. A SENCO who rules out this option from the outset gives the appearance of real incompetence.

I suggest you ask the SENCO who your contact is at the LA, and what discussions if any have already taken place regarding your son's future education. If you don't get a quick and satisfactory response, go straight to the LA yourself.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/269469/health_needs_guidance__-_revised_may_2013_final.pdf

Thank you, especially for the link, that's very useful. I will speak with school tomorrow.

You're welcome! Good luck with it.