Don't like the school, should we move?

[housewifebynamenotnature]

Hi

DS has ASD and is in reception and I'm really not feeling the school (mainstream). Part of their behaviour policy is to issue 'yellow cards' for bad behaviour after a couple of warnings. I have expressed a dislike for this system to the teacher and the SENCO as I don't think it's working for him (his behaviour has worsened) and they are unprepared to offer any other strategies to help him. They say they have to issue the yellow cards to show other children that it's consistent. I don't like that because my son is different to the other children.

They also quite often come outside after school and discuss my son's behaviour within earshot of other parents.

I have identified another school that is 5 miles away, it is outstanding but out of catchment. It has a behavioural unit on site where the teachers can liaise with the behavioural staff to get support for challenging behaviour.

I'm really at a loss. I have a younger sibling to consider. This is a three tier system so DS would only be at the new school until YR 4.

Any advice? Would you risk the change of school even though it may affect DS's behaviour?

helpppp?

Thank you for your advice F1ipFlopFrus. Would you challenge the school further then? Or just cut your losses? I've approached them numerous times and they treat me like a thorn in their side.

The other school do have a place for ds. My dilemma is based upon getting a place for dd in a years time and travelling time, although it's only a further ten minutes in the car.

I think I know what I need to do.

Do it move. We left it too long in similar circumstances hoping thing things would improve. They didn't and much damage has been done.

Is there a school with an ASD specific unit close enough? A behavioural unit may well not have staff skilled in working with children with ASD and their approaches may be just as harmful as in his current school.

If you're considering moving him, look everywhere and make sure you have found the best option there is for him.

I would move. But I'm not sure if I would send a DS who has ASD to a behavioural unit. They may not have the ASD expertise and the children, depending, are really socially aware so your DS may be socially vulnerable there (due to his Communication difficulties).

Punishing a child for behaviour that is a direct result of his ASD is like punishing an epileptic child for having a fit. Totally unacceptable and disability discrimination. My son with ASD can't process warnings and when upset is not in control of his actions. if the school aren't on board at this stage then I wouldn't keep him there.

Also my sons 'behaviour' improved massively with correct supports (visual timetable etc) in place. For him it was anxiety related and caused by not being able to cope with the massive demands of mainstream.