Where canwe move to?

[Sunrisemouse]

I am desperately hoping for some inspiration…

Background – I live in South Gloucestershire with my husband and child. I am the main earner, and my job is now at risk due to the amount of time I have spent trying to help my child be able to go back to school. My child is probably autistic (I will get the results from the assessment by the end of April). She has not been to school since November last year despite the school's effort to help ease her back. We are at the start of applying for an EHCP with school support. We think she will need to be taught at home or at best a specialist provision. Ideally, my husband would stop working for a while but it’s me my daughter wants whilst her mental health is so bad.

We want to move further out to reduce our mortgage drastically so that if I must stop working for a year or two to support my child it won’t be a major shock to the system. We would like a 3- or 4-bedroom detached house with a garden and parking. The detached is because of the noise sensitivities of my child and husband. This would ideally be in a small town or village. The budget we have will be around £220k. We have a dog so would like to be somewhere near good dog walking areas. We aren’t fancy and just want to make the most of our budget during this difficult time. We would also like to be up to 3.5 hours away from Bristol.

We both work from home so good internet access will be needed. If I do lose my job, then I will eventually look for another remote position which will be possible.

Any Suggestions?

Any objection to crossing the border?

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/116506610#/?channel=RES_BUY

Or there is the forest of dean, you might be able to get what you need there, especially if you don't mind doing a bit of updating.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/143979245#/?channel=RES_BUY

With a DC with SEN, I would look at the various local offers each LA has. I'd also research the track record of LAs and the providing of provisions. Some LAs are better than others when it comes to EHCPs, waiting times and tribunal outcomes. Be aware that if you do move out of the awarding LA the new LA will review the ECHP so you could be back to square 1 if the EHCP is not watertight, specified and quantified.

In regards to Home school or specialist provision try and find an area with a good home school community or provision that would suit your DC within a sensible commute time. Facebook is great for finding home school communities and clubs and activities for HS children.

Good luck in your search. If you are not tied to an area in particular you should be able to find something.

Not sure on Wales as unsure of what that entails education wise with learning welsh.

The Forest of Dean is a good shout, thanks.

@Caffeineislife good shout on SEN provision. I will check that out as well.

Look around lancaster. It's pushing your 3.5 to Bristol, but your budget could work. Right by the coast, the lake district, an hour to Manchester etc.