When you have to find another school...

[sighbynight]

My DS (14) is currently suspended from his independent school for persistently disruptive behaviour. We are currently awaiting the outcome of a psychiatric assessment as he seems both highly anxious and depressed. He has had suicidal thoughts.

Thing is, I can't imagine him conforming readily once he returns after half term, so I need to start considering our options. The local state school isn't really an option. And I can't really imagine any other schools queuing up to offer him a place right now, although he is both academic and sporty. When he feels like it.

Who should I be speaking to about this? I feel very powerless just now, although I know that until we have the assessment and also an ed psych assessment, I can't do much.

Why isn't the local school an option?

I wouldn't have thought assessments would guarantee a place either, but may give you more information about his state of mind and how best to support him in future. Is home ed an option?

What does he want to do?

He says he wants to stay where he is. He just can't seem to put that into action. And home ed is a blood curdling thought. He doesn't respect the boundaries we set, I can imagine that would make educating him easy.

The local school is a failing school, unfortunately. All the parents I know from there don't have a good word to say about it. Particularly its pastoral care. Sadly.

Has your current head got a suggestion? DCs school seems to suggest schools where a fresh start may be welcome.

Yes, I will have that conversation. Good idea. Him being at home has been OK thus far - touch wood - he is much calmer and more responsive on his own. He kicks off when I collect his 3 siblings from school though.

Has anyone had to move school summer term of year 10? School suggesting another school may suit my DD better and will give good reference if she moves now - currently at boarding school in north west but not sure if boarding a good option.

Hi Tiggytape -
She hasn't fitted in to the school since she started and it was one thing after another - now she is targeted when any bad behaviour starts no matter who is doing it - even when other children say its not her - been suggested we move now with good reference
no idea what to do - we were hoping to get through GCSE's then move even though we've wanted to go for ages now.
Would prefer day school now I think - current school has hardly any supervision and majority of times Ive been there no adult in sight which hasn't helped and has massively put me off boarding.
anyone know of anywhere doing one year GCSE's??