I was hoping for some advice on the school choice for my son who has dyspraxia. He is 7 and will be moving to middle school in September.
He’s well liked but very behind in writing and reading and finds sport, particularly football impossible. Most of his class are moving to a very academic state school but I’m not sure it is the right school for him.
My big concerns are him being left out a breaktimes as there are two big football pitches which attract most of the boys. Secondly, children who are struggling are pulled out of class to focus groups which he will almost certainly be in. I have spoken to the SENCO and I think academically he will get great support in this school and there may be other children who don’t play football (it’s a year group of 160) but I really worry about my son’s self esteem and the risk of bullying.
There is another school, with a completely different ethos. It’s not as good but one of his best friends is going there and they get on well as they both don’t play football. It’s not a bad school but I don’t think he would get the same support academically. They do more activities like forest school and camping etc which I know he would love.
Any advice on the best way to go? Do I go with the school that would support him academically but with the worry about sport or do I take a safer option where I am sure he would be okay, but perhaps wouldn’t get the academic support?