School requested SENCO

[FiFTM]

Hi,

I'm just looking for advice or anyone with any experience on SENCO meetings. My son is 4.5 yo, started P1 in Sept. He had issues with running away from the line up and hiding, though he's told us he's stopped this, and has a bit of trouble taking turns and sharing, he's still a bit immature and has trouble with emotional regulation at times, though he has improved since nursery. The teacher has just asked me to come for a meeting with her and the SENCO, and I'm very nervous about it all. Does this mean that they think that there is a something there like ADHD or autism, or do they do this as a support for struggling kids? I know I was a bit wild at that age in school but calmed down a lot, I was hoping it would just be something that rectified itself over time.

No it doesn’t mean your child has additional needs. Teachers and SENCOs are unable to diagnose children but will be aware of certain ‘red flags’.
What they will probably do is discuss some
strategies to help him both in and out of class and ask for your support in using those strategies at home as well. Classrooms are very stimulating to young children so the behaviours seen at school and home may be completely different.
Not sure how it works at your school but at the one I work at any child receiving extra provision classifies as being on the SEND register, even those without a diagnosis. It’s common for a child to be on the register for a term or so and then removed later on in the year once any problems have been resolved.

They are just doing their job, if your DS is running away and hiding then he needs extra support not to do that.

Those things can be an indicator of additional issues. I could have written your post 12 years ago and my teenager is autistic. I was worried about him having additional needs but worry doesn't change anything. Just take all the advice you are given and be glad that they are looking to support him well in school.

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated!

I met with the SENCO and teacher, he's been put on the SEN register. I've been given in IEP which will hopefully work. It turns out he had hit his classroom assistant because she was trying to bring him to the toilet in a group but he didn't have to go. He's still running off and hiding, refusing to follow instructions and won't do his work at times. He says he doesn't like his teachers but I don't know if that's because he doesn't like being told what to do! We are trying to make him more independent, talk to him about good choices etc but I feel so anxious about it, whereas my husband (a teacher) doesn't seem phased at all by it!