When to change school?

[ari11]

Hi just wondering if anybody has any advice when the best time is to change school. My ds age 5 (in reception) has behavioural problems at school which has resulted in several fixed term exclusions. He is currently being assessed by the paed and educational psychologist. I have just had a meeting at the school with HT, DHT, class teacher, Ed Psych, PRU outreach worker and the exclusion and reintegration officer. I felt that the PRU, Ed Psych, and exclusion officer were fantastic and put forward suggestions about how to support my ds and to make school a positive learning environment for him however the school staff were very negative saying that they had tried all the strategies and nothing works and didn't seem to understand his level of need. I think they think there is a magic wand that will change his behaviour overnight without any work or commitment. Although he has temporary 1:1 support at the moment the school are applying for funding for permanent 1:1 support as well as a ehcp which is good. However I am still not convinced that this is the right school for him. We just watched sports day which was very difficult for him (?because of sensory processing difficulties) so he only managed to stay with his class for 5 mins before he had to go inside but I witnessed other children (not in his class) calling him a troublemaker which broke my heart:( My feeling is at the moment he has been labelled a difficult child by the staff and other children which I am not convinced will change. Is it best to change schools for a fresh start or do you think this may unsettle him even more or persevere at school with the teachers he knows (although he did tell me last night that they don't like him) and a best friend who he loves. Not sure what to do! I would appreciate any advice as feeling very despondent at the moment. Thanks

Honestly? Now.
An echp will take months and if a 1:1 isn't working now with the schools ethos, it's time to look elsewhere. The same happened to us, we moved our Ds 4 months into reception year into a supporting empathetic Ms. It's been great for us till v recently when it's now time for us to move to a ss. But a supportive school is worth it's weight in gold.

Thanks for the advice lesley25. How did you go about find the supportive school. Was it a case of visiting other schools and deciding which best met your ds needs or did the LA advise on a more appropriate school. Sorry if i sound a bit naive but this is all new to me as ds didn't have any issues in nursery or the school nursery before starting in reception. thanks again

Agreeing - now. Check out other mainstream schools as well as special schools. Parent Partnership/SENDIASS will know which mainstream schools will be more likely to give your DS a fair chance to settle in with appropriate support. It won't necessarily be an "outstanding" school, mind.

Thanks ouryve, will contact parent partnership/SENDIASS. I think at the moment if he would fit in better in a smaller mainstream school with the right support. His present school if four form entry which is larger than average and although it is an outstanding school they are useless when it comes to special needs do I don't think 'outstanding' counts for much. I would rather he was in a friendly, supportive school which has a focus on inclusion rather than exclusion which his existing school has.

I would disagree with the other posters, to be honest.
Do you think ds will succeed in a smaller Ms school, or do you ultimately want ss?
We have held out with ds in his ms, that we all agree if failing him. But we want to get the next placement right. He is currently with friends, and happy, although not managing any learning. When we move him it will upset him greatly, and cause a few months set back in his behaviours. I need to avoid doing that twice.

If you move him now to another ms school, think v carefully if you think it will be suitable, cos you don't want to have to move him again in a few months when the ehcp is complete.

thanks kojacks I am so undecided at the moment but definitely want ds to remain in a mainstream school at the moment. The problem I have is that the school are not happy to continue with him not learning how they want him to. I need to take some time to do some research and think rationally as at the moment I am still reeling from the meeting this morning so now is probably not the best time to make a decision. If they apply for a ehcp does anyone know how long it takes and if approved and we do decide to change schools will it go with my ds?

The EHCP is for your DS, not the school. It will name the school he's to be at, which makes it a good time to ascertain whether the current school is able (or willing, although this shouldn't be a factor) to meet his educational needs as outlined by the plan. If school dither about applying for one, you can set the ball rolling yourself.

There are supportive empathetic nurturing Ms schools out there who don't necessarily have an outstanding ofsted BUT are brilliant because they are not so results focused. I would do a search of your nearest mainstream schools, read the ofsted and see what they say about children with additional needs but nothing can compare with visiting these and speaking to the ht. if the ht is supportive- the ethos runs down. Be open and honest about your dcs struggles and the 1:1 situation. Go with your gut. Be prepared to visit lots of schools nearest to you.

Start looking now at sen places.they all vary so much.we were undecided like you and got my son's statement at the end of reception.we wanted to see how he adapted to yr1 as academically bright . Unfortunately his behaviour has escalated and we have spent a year organising a place for yr2 as these things don't happen quickly.

Snap stridesy!

Thanks for all your advice it is really appreciated:) I know its going to be a long and bumpy road ahead but it really helps to hear everybody's experiences and wisdom and also know that we are not alone.

Do you think the EP and the person from the PRU would offer an opinion, in your shoes i would ring them today (if possible) and express your concerns about him staying in his current school. I bet they too will have picked up on this. My younger DCs school was given a notice to improve a few years ago by oftsed. (now re assessed as a good school) It a small village primary with a SNs unit, they are the most caring inclusive school youre every likely to come across, ofsted reports imo are a load of bollocks. My eldest DD in an ASD unit in a MS school, that school is in special measures! but it was the best fit for DD when we looked round, she started last September and i honestly cannot find fault with (well other than a few petty things).

I agree that if you can hang on and get the EHCP first then that would be be best, at least tactically! If you move him the LEA are likely going to want to give him at least a couple of terms to settle in a new school before they'll agree to assess.