Home Ed communities, teens and social anxiety

[Fargoer]

Hi
For various reasons my child has never managed well in secondary school. Academics always all fine, but significant social anxiety, made worse by lockdowns and first 18 months of school in masks and very rigid rules.
They see an EP who feels they are continually being retraumatised at school. I am not sure it will ever get better in school and my child will not consider a move which they think would be worse (this is the smallest school in our area but still 4 form entry). It’s heartbreaking.

Previously, we were hopeful things would iron out and were reluctant to ale our child’s world even smaller by removing them from school. However, now I wonder if that was correct.

I am considering home schooling (this would be a huge step and I don’t know if I have the skills but I am increasingly despairing about the situation) but as far as I can see, our area doesn't really have a homeschooling community for this age group.

At the moment nothing makes sense and I am trying to find a way through and considering all options.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and how did you deal with it? Also does anyone know of any geographical areas there are friendly homeschooling communities for teens?

Thank you

Have you considered applying for an EHCP and going down the EOTAS route rather than EHE? This can provide therapies/support DC wouldn’t otherwise receive. And in the meantime if DC is CSA but isn’t able to attend school the LA must provide alternative arrangements.

You could try an online school, some have live classes so some virtual socialisation there. Plus sign them up to scouts or something in person. Those will both be good fir confidence.
Unfortunately the teen community isn't strong here either, most seem to go on to the 14-16 provision at the local college

It's definitely worth trying to pursue eotas if you would ideally not home educate. But, I would advise joining local home education facebook groups and posting on there to ask about activities. I have friends who home educate teenagers and very little for that age group seems to be posted publicly on groups but there is still quite a lot going on. A lot of the time it seems like by that age kids (and parents) have established friendship groups and they arrange stuff less publicly.