Confused, need your thoughts please

[Everythinghappensforareason1]

We recently moved into a new area, had my heart set on a school , no places (yr3 ) but can offer the the next one. I have lodged an appeal, didnt receive the papers so therefore being re-scheduled. I obviously accepted the place at other school. On paper there both good schools, ofsted outstanding. My niggle is, my DS is dsylexic. School I wanted has amazing senco and very positive regarding dsylexic children, lots of things in place. Although this school has the least teaching assistants as staff. The school he is in has more teaching assistants, but the senco left a year ago, not been replaced, head teacher currently doing it. Teachers not read report, had to ask for assessments, ds was under the ed psych at previous school, they not questioned that, I have asked for meeting after school, they have accommodated 1 of them, mainly told me how homework system goes. He does get support in class, but not all te time. They have recently moved him to a table by himself (no-one next to him) this then means no partner for going swimming, and I find out yesterday when a girl was being disruptive in class they got moved next to my DS which I believe is wrong as he is sat on his own so he concentrates, not then to have a disruptive child put next to him. There not very pro-active school when it comes to SN. So the dilemma is my DS loves the school, is happy. When asked what he likes most about school it's the monkey bars and after school club. When I mentioned possibly going to another school I got a very straightforward no! The thing is I know he loves the school but if they are not providing academically for him I would like to try and win appeal for other school that has great senco. My gut as always told me the other school would support his needs more. Of course there is every chance I won't win appeal although I feel I have a good case. What would you do if your hold loved school they were in but if had opportunity to move to other school that suits his needs better would you move him for that reason? My heart and head rules are all confused nd not sure hat I should do or the best.

Apologies or the long and confusing post, I am just looking for other people's views. I m a single parent and don't have no one To discuss this with

If it were my child and he was happy at the school I would make a note of all my concerns and make an appointment to see the acting Senco, even if it was the HT and have a conversation about your concerns and ask what the school can do to address these. Although this could prove emotionally difficult for you I would try to keep your cool. Take a friend to make notes for you if it helps. You could then ask the head to touch base in a few weeks time and see if your concerns were addressed. I think moving a child who is happy at primary is a huge risk. The other school may perhaps tick all your boxes but that is no good to you if your DS does not like it there and you made him change schools. Good luck with whatever you decide..

Thank you, I really appreciate your input and going to take your advice. Thanks again

I agree - the best scenario is that the school that he loves better supports his SEN. And that's not an unreasonable expectation - you are not asking the school to do anything above and beyond their remit - you are simply expecting them to do their job properly.

It will probably require a lot of tenaciousness on your part, telling them what you expect and following up again and again until you get his needs met, but the previous poster is correct - it's a huge risk to take a happy child out of a school they love.

I would give the current school a chance to improve things first (and set a timescale in your head for when you want things to be better by). If at the end of that time you still don't feel his needs are being met academically, then make your appeal the other school at that time.

I think on balance I'd move him for the support, playing the long game

Do you know anyone at the other school? A school can look great on paper but feel quite different when you attend it.

I have a relative who is severely dyslexic and from that experience, I would seriously consider moving to the other school as stable provision is essential. But I would be balancing that against whether the second school just looked good on paper or whether it actually does deliver for its dyslexic pupils.

If you have a local dyslexia association, get in touch with them and see if they have a view on the provision at both schools. Also, if you go along to a dyslexia association meeting you might meet parents from both schools who can tell you their experiences of having a dyslexic DC at each school.

Thank you everyone for your replys. We have been to the other school had a feel for it, i was happy how they dealt with dsylexia, was what we wanted, he excited to move there and by the time we moved into the area a space had come up at other school so we had to accept that although that is why I was going down the appeal route. The previous school where we lived did nothing, and I found it draining fighting a losing battle. I fear I am going to end up doing the same with this school where I know the other school everything will be addressed without it being so difficult. Its just he loves the school but the reasons he gives why he loves it are not acadamic ones its because they have monkey bars and a good after school club he enjoys going to. Where is as a parent I am thinking practically, my emotional self Doesn't know what to do for the best.