is this a bit rubbish?

[mamateur]

So, we just got care of DP's DN. He was refusing to go to school and missed the last 8 weeks of term (living with gran) which is a big part of why he now lives with us.

He was due to start at a new school in London which was arranged during the summer when the decision was finally made. We thought he was going to start with all the other year 8 on Friday. Then we got a call to say he couldn't start without an interview which wasn't till Monday. We had the interview yesterday with the head of year and went over what he needed to start the next day. Then an hour later she called me to say he would have to wait till next Monday for an induction so he could get his locker key and web card.

We've just got him in the frame of mind to go back to school and this delay is the last thing we need.

DS is now fretting that he'll be the 'only one starting that day' etc. etc.

I realise we got his place very late in the day but you wouldn't you have thought the school could cope a bit better?

Yes, it's a bit rubbish. Agree you should tell the school. This boy has special needs (as in, he has had a huge amount of disruption (I have been following your story) and needs some secure structure and the school is not taking these needs seriously.

Keep on supporting your DN, have a go at the school.

If your DN hates school again, will you be considering home education? (not as scary as it sounds!)

Not Another, thanks for following our story! We seriously considered HE, and DN, although initially horrified, ended up being very keen and was upset when it didn't happen. We looked for other parents to share tutoring with us, as we feel very qualified to teach some subjects (DP is a total maths wizard) but although we could find lots of groups for activities, there didn't seem to be anyone else who wanted to join forces in the actual teaching. It was a great shame, but with a baby and both of us working full time from home, we gave up.

So, I might speak to her again today.

WIll come back and post!

that's really bad - poor DN,must be very stressful for him

Is it to do with the school insurance? Mine was once two days late starting for this reason. The head wouldn't let him start on time as she said it's always the children who are uninsured who fall over etc.

Actually, it only took her two days to arrange with the education authorities so yes, your situation is very bad.

Yes it sounds rubbish but there may be other reasons that they're not telling you about.
Ime whenever I've had rubbish reasons given, a quiet and open chat (very softly softly) with the school has revealed more information which puts it in context.
Building up a good and trusted relationship with the school (and admin staff especially) is important if your dn has any issues.
Hope all goes well.

She said 'they do inductions on Mondays, and during induction he'll be given his locker key etc.' I'm pretty sure I could have protested and got them to speed it up but DN was waiting next to me when they called so I didn't want to start explaining and also, as norf says, I want to build a good relationship with her as I'm pretty sure there will be cause for us to talk over the next few months.

There is no way that this has anything to do with insurance. All schools are insured through the LA or have to take out their own insurance. It is not on an individual pupil basis but on a school basis, so any talk about not starting till insurance is in place is just an excuse

IME this is normal for 'in year casual admissions'

Annoying-but normal.

Thanks Amberleaf. I decided to do nothing and wait it out. I've told DN there'll be other children at the induction and so he won't stick out. Not certain this is true but no point him getting all worried.

Good call Mamateur, you've got to pick your battles.

Hope it all goes well for him.