Changing from mainstream to special needs setting

[tiredmelly]

I'm currently starting the process of trying to get a place in a special needs school for my DS (4) . I feel this is the right thing to do academically to try and get his development moved along but he is so happy where he is. He heard me speaking to his sister tonight and in his limited speech said he wanted to go to 'my school' (current school) and then said about all his friends (from current school) going to his new school.

Has anyone else had this same situation. DS's speech understanding is much more advanced than his expressive speech. I suppose I am having doubts that it's the right thing to do due to his understanding and how much he loves his current school. His development age is averaging 16 -26 months.

This is a tricky one. Does your DS have a statement usually he will require one in order to attend a SS. If he has a statement what are the reccommendations on it can he get speech therapy in the mainstream setting for example? My dd just started mainstream in Sept she hates it and has not adjusted well I am now moving her to another mainstream school to see whether a smaller class size will help her. The educational pysch has said she fears if DD goes into a special school she will not be able to access the curriculum however with her difficulties (she has ADHD and dyspraxia) she is currently not accessing the curriculum anyway. We are giving the mainstream a good shot though she has an assistant, a statement and we have requested outside support to assist with OT and behavioural therapy. If this does not help we will then move her to SS we then know that we are absolutely making the right decision and have not been hasty.

Your DS may just have some delayed milestones our DD had virtually no speech until the age of three the reason being significant glue ear in both ears she had the vents put in and her speech took off she was still way behind her peers though and took her a good while to catch up she now has above average verbal range. Just yesterday I found myself complaining to DH how she never ever ever shuts up and he quickly reminded me about the years when I was worried about her not speaking.

Hope this helps you know what is best for your DS always follow your gut instinct it usually turns out to be right xx

I moved my son from mainstream to resoure provision in september and its been fine.He was a little unsettled at the start but he would have been unsettled just moving to another class anyway.
I really do think its us parents who feel more anxious about it and the children amaze us with how they do,for us as a family seeing him develop with the specialist support hes getting has been amazing and im so glad i went with my head and not my heart .