Return to UK for private schooling / term time only

[lavieenwhisperingangel]

We are considering returning to Uk for secondary schooling for specific reasons (Sen support in specialist / private school). However, we are nervous about UK as a “permanent” base, economically and quality of life/healthcare and so on. We therefore are looking at keeping our home overseas (we are in Europe) as our base - it’s our home now - and to return to it for all school holidays. Dh can be domiciled in either place for work but we would prefer us to be mostly together as a family. We would need to rent in UK for term time.

Has anyone else done something similar for the purposes of schooling? I appreciate the tax situation might be complicated, but also the back and forth from a stability point of view does worry me. It’s possible we could do this arrangement for 3 years and then DC may be comfortable to board at the school in upper senior years (Ys 12/13 esp)
just wondering if anyone has managed to navigate a similar situation?

Is there no strong Sen provision at all where you currently live?

That sounds like it may be difficult for your child in terms of social aspect and friendships if they are never around for the holidays.

And I say this as a SEN parent in Europe who is also currently struggling with what to do for schools.

No it’s not brilliant - on the periphery at international school already

Unless you are permanently resident in UK I think it is unlikely that you would be offfered a place in a state specialist school.
If you are paying privately that should not be a problem but be prepared to pay eye watering fees.
Renting term time only will be an issue. No landlord is going to offer that. So you will need to rent for the full year and maintain homes in both countries. Many people do this, but as you say the tax situation can become complicated.

Yes that’s a concern - but school we are considering has dc sprinkled in all directions anyway including boarders so assume it’s not any different for them. The irony here is we would be actually looking to increase social skills as that’s the hard part where we are; languages are hard with communication skills poor already

You also may not satisfy the “ordinarily resident” requirement for NHS access if you needed it. It could prove a very expensive exercise renting, paying bills and ct, travel etc while maintaining a property abroad.

it’s a good point, though I note nhs website specifies should be able to access in emergency with ehic card. We can use private health for non urgent / GP.

How serious is the SEN?

could you employ a private tutor in addition to schooling in your home country?

This seems like a seismic move and unless somewhere far flung and very behind in SEN provision - I am surprised that there’s no option locally

Depending on the sen, private schools in the UK might not be a good choice anyway. For example some would be great for a child with dyslexia or inattentive adhd who are doing well on medication or some children with asd where they just need a smaller quieter school but for anything else, they tend not to have the specialist skill set. For example we were offered a place at a private school but we're told that on top of fees we would have to pay extra to provide one to one support.
Unless maybe you mean a specialist private sen school?

Thanks, I agree on the private schools - we have researched a lot, and don’t think it would be any better necessarily than what we have. Yes I do mean exactly that: a private specialist sen school

You don't say what part of the UK but if it is England some of the specialist private schools will require an EHCP even if it doesn't name the school and you are paying the fees and therapies. The one I use will ask for the EHCP as part of the assessment. You'll have to look carefully at the entry requirements and they may be able to look at your country's equivalent paperwork.

Also worth noting this sector is super competitive and a lot of the schools can and do pick and choose who they take. It is often easier to get into the feeder primary if there is one, for specialist independent.

Of course all the above will vary on school and area but that is my experience.

Honestly don't. They will lose their residency and lose their rights to live in that country

Residency rights are complicated. Many foreign and expat British children attend school in UK. The (I assume UK nationals) parent (if no dual citizenship) will normally be limited to 180 days in a calendar year outside their country of normal residence, but by going back for the school holidays and a bit of boxing and coxing will easily be able to keep to that. Also many countries allow suspension of noral residence in exceptional circumstances eg Looking after sick family member. This might qualify.

If you are not Uk Nationals (you may be) you can't rent here as you need a Right To Rent code OR a British Passport