Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

What to do about school next week?

42 replies

maxsanta · 10/04/2013 08:52

DS is 10 with AS. He is finding school a struggle. He is between TAs as school are recruiting for someone new. He has full-time support.

He is ok being in school if he can work outside the class but I think what's the point of that? I have got him back in class gradually myself but obviously I can't TA him. I have just wanted to support transition as he won't cope with another short-term new person so it is not as simple as demanding a replacement for him in the meantime.

But I feel I am probably just papering over the cracks of the fact that school isn't working for him.

What should I do?

OP posts:

Original poster

maxsanta · 10/04/2013 19:15

His anxiety. If I don't go to school, he won't go to school. Either I prop him up or keep him off.

OP posts:

StarlightMcKenzie · 10/04/2013 19:22

Okay. Then you probably have to do it. Is his anxiety in his AR documentation?

Just be very careful with this, because you don't want his difficulties blamed on anxiety and claimed this is an internal and medical problem that school have no place to address.

It shouldn't be, but I have seen it.

I'm not saying don't raise it though, just be careful. I'm sorry. These things ought to be straightforward but are tactical flippin moves.

Original poster

maxsanta · 10/04/2013 19:31

I'll pursue the EP route then. She knows all about it but has offered no help save to let me do all the work!

OP posts:

HotheadPaisan · 10/04/2013 19:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

maxsanta · 11/04/2013 17:32

Thanks. Meeting EP next week now to discuss 'options' - whatever that means.

OP posts:

Flappingandflying · 11/04/2013 17:42

Have you contacyed SOS SEN. They are very supportive.

Original poster

Maxsanta · 12/04/2013 08:37

Thanks. I will try them after the Easter hols.

EP says we should meet and consider all the options and then involve school.

Not sure what the options are really.

OP posts:

Original poster

maxsanta · 13/04/2013 22:51

DS has been really fretting this weekend. He is saying he won't go to school. What would you do? I can take him in and stay with him for this week until we see the EP but it is getting me down too.

OP posts:

inappropriatelyemployed · 14/04/2013 11:08

I find this a tough one. Do you force a child to go in when it is unfairly increasing their anxiety levels or when the only way to go in is to not do the same as everyone else or sit outside the lessons all the time?

flowwithit · 14/04/2013 11:56

This is so difficult to call. I think you have to go with your instinct and thoughts at the time, I know this changes as we are in a similar position. My ds gets very anxious at school and I feel awful keep sending him in hoping it gets easier for him but so far he has suffered badly since starting secondary school. They aren't very supportive at all a lot more could be done and I keep trying to get more help.
Good luck just do what you think is best at the time but always keep the school informed.

flowwithit · 14/04/2013 12:15

Also could he just do mornings for a time? That might be better than not going at all because then its even harder to return.

Original poster

maxsanta · 14/04/2013 13:19

That might be a way forward.We do live a while away from school (25 mins) and have another child there, so, practically it could be a problem. I would probably end up staying there mornings.

OP posts:

Original poster

maxsanta · 18/04/2013 18:16

Just to say DS has not been able to go back for more than an hour in school and has needed me with him.

He has started talking about what a pressure it has been to be in class all the time, how he hates school and the way his former TA treated him.

He said today that another child had told him that his former TA and former class teacher were discussing him and had called him 'spoilt and selfish'. I can see no reason for him or any other child to make this up. Making things up is not his style anyway so he must certainly have been told this by another child.

I really feel this TA does not have the skills to work with children with complex needs and I am minded to say so to school as she is still working there.

Do you think I should?

OP posts:

flowwithit · 18/04/2013 19:33

Oh dear your poor ds. We are battling with an unhelpful school and a ds who has been in part time too so I kind of know how you must be feeling. I think you should have a meeting to discuss this because there's no other way of moving forward. Could you email first so you can mention the difficulties in writing.

Original poster

maxsanta · 18/04/2013 19:36

We are getting a new TA so this is past history in a way. The school have been helpful and will do whatever they are advised to. They are in regular contact to discuss and offer support.

But I think the TA has caused alot of damage. I just wondered whether this was worth raising specifically.

OP posts:

flowwithit · 18/04/2013 19:58

Oh yes sorry I re read your first post. Iswym perhaps not worth the hassle of meetings etc I would just bide your time before next ta starts. Moving from slowly 1 hr at school to 2 and so on might be good.

Original poster

maxsanta · 18/04/2013 23:38

Thanks. Do you think it's worth mentioning it to SENCO as this TA is still working at school and they were talking of placing here with another child.

OP posts:

Flip

1 2