Residential trip with school

[RinkyDinkyDoo]

School (assessment unit)have sent home a letter about a planned residential trip for DS. They sent out a feeler letter a month or so ago asking if parents would be interested in the children going away. I said yes, for maybe one night and if it wasn't too far away, in case I had to pick DS up.
Letter about finalised trip came home today- monday to friday in Butlins Skegness. I live in Liverpool,so it's a fair distance away and 5 days. DS (ASD) was 5 in March. I think it's a bit too much for a 5 year old, DH says let him go,but I don't think I can.
Opinions please.

That's a very long time for any 5 year old to be away. And a long way from home. Seems a bit odd.

Wow, that is a long time. DS2 (NT) is 5 in July and I wouldn't feel comfortable with him going that far for that long.

What's their reason, as in link to topic etc?

Though still seems excessive regardless to be honest.

The assessment centre has recently been taken over by local ASD special school,age range 7-18. I know 2 older boys(14 and 15)who attend the main school,and they went on the same trip last year. I'm presuming,because the letter is from the head of the main school,not the assistant head in charge of the assessment centre,the trip is just including the centre.So I suppose the age range would be huge if I decided to send DS-which I've decided I'm not.

Hmm, my DS went on just such a trip at 4 yo, 13 DC all with SN aged 4 - 5, with 6 staff. Not mixed with older DC, though, and with such fantastic staff I could trust them completely. In fact, I trusted them to know how to look after him better than any relatives or babysitters. They went on the beach and a boat trip, no-one drowned. (Amazing)

The staff came back looking very, very tired and a bit traumatised by all the poo they'd had to deal with. 9 - 3 proved to be a lot easier than 24/7! The kids had an absolute ball. When DS2 went on his Y6 residential last year with his MS school I was one of the few parents relaxed about it. After all, he wasn't 4 anymore.

I wouldn't rule it out until you know all the details. What age range, what staff/child ratio, who is actually going, what activities will they be doing, etc.

Wow, 5 is young, I don't think I'd have coped at that age.

My ds2 is at a SS and has been on residential every year since he was 5...in fact they take the children away from 3 !!

I was terrified the first time..but he was fine, loved it.. the staffing ratio is VERY high and the children are very well mothered:) Actually he is currently away this week.. and I know he will have a fantastic time.

I have worked in my son's SS as a TA for many years now and have done MANY residentials (monday-friday) and while it is absolutely exhausting, it is THE best way for the school staff to really get to know a child.. knowing how they chill out, how they sleep (or not.. we take it in turns to be with non sleepers),and often the children are far more adaptable away than they are at home.

We haven't lost or damaged any children yet and there are lots of cuddles, lots of fun..

Thanks Medusa and Ellen. I am a teacher myself and have done overnight residentials,NT and aged 9 and 10,so I'm hearing you with the exhaustion :) Maybe it's the distance,but I just don't think this year it would be right.Maybe next year.....

My ds7 is going away in July - but the school have arranged for us to make a visit prior to the 3day trip - can the school make a book for him before he goes, so he has a visual of where's he's going and what he's doing?

I don't think I could cope with DS2 on a residential. It probably doesn't help that he's a runner with no sense of danger or safety though. But that's just me.

Think I made the right decision of not sending him this time, as message came back in the home school book today- think you made the right decision about the trip, we think he'd miss you and DH too much. :)