We deregistered our DD12, after the Easter holidays. She has become anxious and ‘people-avoidant’. She is under CAMHS.
Her attendance throughout Y7 was low but, when in school, she was doing very well. She is academically able (scored 100% in Y6 SATs for reading/maths in the October practice papers, went up to secondary as Greater Depth in maths/reading/writing. No idea about science.) Even when she wasn’t in school, she continued to do and submit all the class work and homework set (as work was put up each day for children isolating and during the lockdown).
We muddled through the summer term using school timetable, CGP books, duo lingo, Oak National academy. Her MH became much better with daily structure but no ‘school’.
Her dad and I both work full-time but he works from home. With a schedule, she is fairly well motivated and I go through stuff with her in the evenings.
She has ‘de-schooled’ through July which has given her the confidence to speak with two friends (as she had totally withdrawn) but her days are very unstructured and her MH is declining again.
We need to agree a plan for her education. She has no intention (currently) of returning to school. She does want to learn and has agreed that a structure works best (for her and me).
We have explored different online schools. She is not keen on interactive lessons, Skype calls etc. She would prefer a timetable (although we can build that together if necessary). I want her to continue with a broad range of subjects but am happy for her to drop subjects she’s not keen on. She doesn’t know if she wants an online school or more book-based.
I am a primary teacher and have taught up to Y8 but am feeling out if my depth.
Also, I hope that my DD will take up the offer from my HT to come to volunteer in my classroom one day a week once she feels able to, as a way of reconnecting with people. She is open to this idea so would need some flexibility with her own education.
Could anyone share their thoughts or experiences please?