Special unit for 1-2 years - what school after??

[HuntIdeas]

Hi

So my son might qualify for a place at a speech unit in a mainstream school to start in September 2019. The idea is that he would be there for 1-2 years then move to mainstream

I can’t find out what would happen when he’s ready to transfer out. Would he be guaranteed a place at the school his siblings are at? Would they hold a place for him? He is a twin if that makes any difference

If he just gets sent to any old school that happens to have a space, then I will seriously reconsider sending him to the special unit at all

Thanks

If he has an EHCP then he should get into whatever school you name. My DD was in a speech unit and got into her brother's school in Year 3. I don't think the school will hold a place, but having an EHCP should mean he gets in. I think this still applies at any times other than the usual admission dates, but check with your LA.

Thanks for replying. Is that true in KS1 too? Do I need a good reason to nominate that school on his ECHP (other than it is the one his siblings go to)?

You can nominate any school you want and they can only say no with a very good reason

My DDs are twins, 1 in special ed. When they first started school I had an arrangement with the mainstream setting for my DD with special needs to spend a session a week alongside her sister. This was managed by the special ed school who sent a TA with her. It kept good contact between them for a number of years until the gap in their learning abilities became too wide. A similar situation might help transition yours from the unit to mainstream when the time comes- add it to his EHCP as important socialisation skills and keeping in with his peers.

I imagine it's KS1 as well. I don't think you need a particular reason, although a sibling at the school would be a fair one.

They wouldn't 'hold a place' as such, but all schools are obliged to admit a pupil that has an EHCP that names their school as the provision. As the parents, you have the right to choose the school, as long as it is suitable for your DS and doesn't hinder the efficient education of other pupils (that's quite a rare argument used to deny a place to a child). An example of "hindering the efficient education...." might be where a child has such extreme behavioural needs that they need 2:1 adult support at all times in class and still have aggressive outbursts such as chair throwing, resulting in children having to leave the room. The LA argues that the cost of 2 TAs and the disruption to the children is excessive, when the child could have their needs better met at a social school who are expert at providing for children with behavioural needs.

But the basic answer is that it's likely your DS will be able to join back in to the same school, but if it's important to you, ask for it in writing.

We are Northern Ireland and my son goes to a speech and language unit. He goes to it 4 days a week and then mainstream 1day (friday). He will go back to mainstream full time next year