DS currently being assessed for ASD & ADHD - should school be offering him a place as a SEN pupil during COVID-19 closure?

[kerrycgeorgie]

My DS 6.5 has been under the local neurodevelopmental pathway for ASD and ADHD assessment for the past year or so. Assessments are now complete, just awaiting his panel to sit, which we've been warned could take up to a year.
In the meantime prior to COVID-19 school closure he was under a school run 8 week program to help manage sensory issues at school. Great progress was being made with that, as other changes including a separate table area when he needed it (ahead of the social distancing curve).
Anyway, his school have been particularly slow to try and onboard government reopening targets. Still only open to key workers, vulnerable children etc. Letter home today said that they only have space for quarter of pupils. Reception years will be given first Available spaces from June 29.
Doesn't look promising that my ds who is in year 1 will be back before September, maybe later.
I have held off requesting a place for ds based upon SEN requirements until now - in a honesty he is more settled, comfortable and happy at home, it's been refreshing. Problem is both DH and I still homeworking and we have two DCs aged 2!
He isn't getting much in way of homeschooling. I'm worried more about the social development stuff which he so struggles with. Would prefer him back before summer so it's not so hard for readjusting come September - change is a struggle for him.
So essentially he doesn't have a statement as yet, but AIBU requesting school to take him back on these grounds?

I'm a teacher and at our school he wouldn't automatically be offered a place as a vulnerable child.

Those places were initially offered to children with an EHCP and those considered to be at risk at home.

Over the weeks we have been contacted by a number of parents wanting their child to return to school and each case was considered on merit, so I think you should certainly ask.

In general, if a child is happier and safer at home, then it would be hard to make a strong case I think, and the interventions you are worried about him missing will not be happening anyway.

But we have offered such places to children where their parents are in urgent need of respite, where the child's first language is English but nobody at home speaks English, amongst other circumstances. In each case the child was happier and safer at home, but we agreed that the child should be in school if we could possibly accommodate them safely.

It is very hard saying no to a parent, but sometimes we have had to because we only have a certain number of classrooms and teachers and need to keep the bubbles below 15, and maintain provision for those that need it more.

So I think it is really impossible for anyone here to say - it would certainly be worth asking but it will depend on the space and staff available at your school, the needs of the other children, the HT's discretion basically.

@rawlikesushi thanks for the insight, much appreciated. In any case his teacher called yesterday to touch base. I said I would have preferred him back at school because I know that he is too comfortable here with me and that leaving me is going to be tough, especially if it's a 6 month period at home - I went away for a girls weekend last year, the teachers knew straight away on that Friday I was away, he was anxious, belly aches, pooed himself. They said it took him about three weeks after to get over it!

But the discussion was very informative, the teacher explained he might not be with her if he were to return, school is very different etc.

It would actually be easier for me if he stays here but my concern is the long term impact etc. Plus just found out the babies nursery isn't reopening as planned so homeschooling remains impossible!

It's a difficult decision isn't it. Your teacher is right - he is unlikely to be with his own teacher or familiar friends, due to the way bubbles have to be organised in most schools.

If your only concern is getting him back to school in September then just be aware that schools are undergoing training regarding this at present, and will be dedicating time to a supportive and relationships-based transition when the time comes. I'd be amazed if they weren't already thinking about the best way to support SEN children in September.

I guess only you can decide which is the least-worst option. Spending six weeks in an unfamiliar and potentially unsettling environment, or six months without any school whatsoever.