Interesting Inclusion/Special Ed Article in Independent

[Davros]

\link{http://education.independent.co.uk/schools/article352925.ece\here}

Thanks Davros. Thought the comments from the headteacher of Heazel Grove sensible. DS1's school has a successful unit on the site of a mainstream school (just opposite) and there is quite a bit of to-ing and fro-ing between the schools. But ds1's school has the hydro pool, and the sesory rooms and the trained, experienced staff.

This comment in favour of inclusion made me livid:
"What there is evidence of is that if children with special needs mix with others, it helps to make people in society more accepting of difference." It fails to take account of the stresses faced by children with SN in mainstream. All the families with suicidal HFA children I've come across (online). But that's OK because they;re helping people in society. Normally developing children can mix with kids in special schools if it's so important, reverse inclusion isn't that hard to organise. Out of school activities and clubs can be a very valuable way of encouraging mixing. I suspect the Prof who said that hasn't had any hands on experience od inclusion.

Of course inclusion can be successful for some,but in all too many cases its disasterous for the individual.

Yes, that bit stuck out to me too

I used to get told that when ds1 was in ms. it's good for the other children. Not sure how as he was never included in anything, and the only time I saw anyone in his class interacting with him was when he was doing somehting hideous like standing on a table and they were all laughing at him. In 4 terms he was invited to 1 birthday party- and that was a little girl who had been at nursery with him and loved him for some reason. God it makes me livid, Ut;s not about improving society's ropey attitude to disability it's about what's best for the individual child. Never mind the kids - a huge number of teacher's have an extremely dodgy attittude to SN- you only have to spend 5 minutes in the TES online staffroom to start seeing red.

My DH knows the Head of Hazel Grove through work and really rates him - he's now very keen to find a co-located school for DS2 as a result of what he's seen at HG. Trouble is finding one!

Agree that the current statementing system favours parents who are articulate and know their rights. I am articulate.. but it took me a while to learn what our rights were.. and even longer to learn to be assertive enough to even attempt to start telling offical bods what I thought Alex needed. I still cringe as I fight for what I know he needs.. and resent the fact that the fight is necessary.

What annoys me about the old chestnut that the system favours articulate, educated, middle class parents is WHO does anyone think is helping the other parents? Its not the system or the professionals, its the articulate, educated, middle class parents helping them.... and running the support groups and networking and spreading information and setting up charities etc etc !!!!

Did it say middle class? I am articulute.. but as far from middle class as is imaginable! I had never thought of that before Davros, but you do have a point.

AH yes, I did of course forget to mention which side of middle class I am!! (The right side obviously!! )

Oh... I forgot to text you the SNAAP number Fio.. eek.. do you still need it??

Or perhaps she is so bogged down with negativity that she is still in her office 'lemon-ing' down all the surfaces...!!

It's 01227 768526 (sure it doesn't matter that I've posted it on here.. it's only an SN org.. and I can't find my bloody sodding mobile... I have had one of those days...!)

FioFio and SleepyJess are you in Kent then??? If so, whereabouts?

Hi Springgreans where're you? I'm in Faversham.. Fio's in Herne Bay

Sleepyjess I'm in Faversham too! I often go to the SNAAP events. My son is only 3.5 and has ASD.I wonder if I know either of you?

Wow SG!! What is your son's name? I don't go to that many events.. often find it hard to get in as by the time I get notified they seem to be full... but we are going to Kidsparadize in Canterbury on 3rd April with SNAAP. Are you going?

And are you going to this Fio? We applied for the Fun day at Kingsmead too.. but it's full.

SG I am Alex's mum.. Alex is a very high-maintenance (! ) five year old who uses a wheelchair to get from A - B.. crawls around when he isn't in it. and often wears a helmet to protect to head from the many whacks it would otherwise get!! Do you know me? (Also have two othersm A DS 13, and DD (7) (NT) who sometimes have gone on SNAAP events.)

The one time when we were signed up for 2 (or 3?) Snaap events in one week was last half term.. and we had to cancel everything as the kids had flu!

LOL I bet we must know each other at least by sight..

SJ x

Have you rung them Fio??! That's really unfair! DD is missing out!!