Sell house to afford indie or local comp?

[Migsy1]

I have a dyslexic DS who also has mild social and communication problems. He is capable of achieving well academically if he has the right support. The comp has mediocre results and is graded as "satisfactory" by Ofsted. The indie is dyslexic friendly, i.e., it has a special dyslexia trained support teacher.
The problem is that I may have to sell my house to afford fees as I am a single mum on a limited income. I have 2 younger children too.
I am totally convinced the indie is the best school for him but am I being crazy to consider selling the house?

I would say that selling your house should be a last resort, explore other options first. How severe is the dyslexia and does he have a statement etc? How closely have you looked at both schools? I know a family with a dyslexic child who went to a certain "Christian" one which advertised itself as supportive of dyslexics and found they hadn't a clue - they moved out of London in the end.

My younger DD has dyslexia and was at an independent primary school when she was diagnosed - the school offered her one hour a week with a so called specialist teacher which was useless; she spent an afternoon a week at Dyslexia Action instead but more expense. In contrast the comp she is at now has a marvellous SENCO, and while it is difficult getting the message across to certain teachers, on the whole they are supportive. She is able to use a laptop in class and they will put her case across to get extra time in exams, should she need it. Can you look around bothr schools or ask to meet the SENCO at the comp?

Kensingtonia - Thanks. I think it would be a good idea to meet the SENCO at the comp. The SENCO at his state primary has never intervened except to write his IEP. He is on School Action Plus and his writing is shocking. I have a specialist dyslexic tutor for him once a week after school. The dyslexic teacher at the indie is specially trained and I have met her and was very impressed with what she had to say. The laptop is a great idea too - I must investigate that one.

Can you talk with parents at the indie school whose children have received tuition from the specialist tutor to find out how well the promises translate into action?

Good idea to meet the SENCO at the comp, and also to try to talk to parents there whose children are on the receiving end of her care. Perhaps contact the parents assoc to get put in touch.

Do you have the choice of only one comp? Is there the possibility of travelling a bit further to a different state school with better provision, if you're not impressed with the first one?

Can you get financial help with indie schooling because of your ds' special needs - would they offer you a discount or bursury?

If you sold your house, are you sure you can sustain the fees for up to 7 years?

Personally, if I was convinced that paying would help my dc, I would sell my house and think that was money well-spent.

Thanks Joanna - I'm already impressed with how the indie has accommodated my DS's dyslexia. They gave him extra time in the entrance exam and at the interview they did not put any pressure on him reading out loud and made sure he understood the logic behind the maths answers rather than relying on him getting the actual answer right first time (he has slow processing). The school had clearly read his Ed psychologist's report and took it into account. I was really impressed with that as his current school has no understanding of dyslexia at all. The LEA area I live in does not really recognise dyslexia. His tutor teaches at the comp but she says that only the kids with virtually NO literacy skills get help. My son does not fall anywhere near that category. I just want him to achieve his potential.

I have applied for a bursary but I'm thinking about what to do if I don't get one / get enough.

Sounds very good, but I would still want to talk to parents and see if the walk matched the talk.

My dd is at an excellent indie but they are businesses and can put on a good show to prospective parents - the reality of teaching can be different. Just to reassure yourself, do talk to parents.

Thanks Joanna - Yes, I have spoken to 2 parents. One is a client of mine whose DS is dyslexic and he is pleased with the school and has put 4 of his kids through it. The other is a friend of mine who teaches there. Her DS is dyslexic too and attends the prep. She thinks it is a wonderful school. So, both very good recommendations.

If he was an only child, maybe sell up. Where would you live tho? But what are your plans for your other children and their needs. They may not see it same way as you.

If he was an only child, maybe sell up. Where would you live tho? But what are your plans for your other children and their needs. They may not see it same way as you.

I could live about a mile away in a cheaper area - no big deal as we would still be in the general area. I feel that I have made the wrong choices for the state schools and I think I could make better ones next time. All my boys are different so different schools are a possibility.

will all three kids go to the fee paying?
if not, boy oh boy are you brewing trouble for the future

are there no other state schools around you ...

It is too late for him to be considered for other state schools and as he has possibly ASD it would be hard for him to go to a school where he does not know anyone. My other children do not have ASD. ES is going through the diagnostic procedure at the moment. It is really tricky.