Child out of school - what support do you need from school

[TeenMinusTests]

I've started a thread in Children's Mental Health www.mumsnet.com/Talk/child_adolescent_mental_health/4329383-What-support-do-you-want-from-your-secondary-school
regarding support needed to the parent from the school when a child is off school due to mental health issues (or possibly other health issues).

This is following DD's final year at secondary where I felt very isolated, trying to make decisions regarding her education, somewhat in a vacuum.

If anyone has been in a similar position, or even with a child still able to attend but struggling, feel free to chip in. Thanks.

I’m in this position. Ds off for over a year and I’m already dreading September. He’s been signed off my camhs for a further 3 months but I find the whole thing so stressful, trying to support him whilst working as a single parent.
To be honest support from the school he’s officially on role at is not very helpful because he’s so fearful of the place. I will have a look at your other thread.

IAmOptimusPrime do you have medical needs EOTAS tuition in place and does DS have an EHCP? Also, have you applied for DLA?

Hi @extremelybumpy I have applied for an ehcp but it has been refused, just going through the appeal process but I’m not holding out a great deal of hope. LA believe school can meet his needs, ironic as he’s not able to go! We have HERS tutors but the one thing I do wish is that the school should be more transparent in that they have a legal obligation after 15 days off to provide an education. It took months and months of fighting to get referred to Hospital education. His school need a policy for this I think. It’s like some secret they don’t want you to know and I wonder if that’s to do with paperwork or costs.

I haven’t applied for DLA as I don’t think I qualify.

The vast majority of appeals are upheld. Some LAs refuse everyone to see whether parents will take it further. That's nonsense from the LA, how can school meet DS's needs when he can't attend because of his SEN.

The LA should have a policy on medical needs tuition. It is the LA who are responsible for providing education to those unable to attend school for medical reasons, not the school. The duty begins when it becomes clear the pupil will be absent for 15 days, for ongoing conditions the days can be cumulative.

You do qualify for DLA, you should apply. The fact CAMHS have assessed DS as too unwell for school signifies he has significant MH difficulties. I bet you do lots you don't realise count, too - especially encouraging, prompting and reassuring DS. Have a look at the Cerebra guide.