Mainstream or specialist provision for year 7

[TheSconeOfStone]

I moved my DD (with ASD and SPD) from our local school as she wasn’t coping and the acting head wasn’t managing the situation in year 3. All going well in new school until January this year (year 5). Sudden deterioration end of year and threat of permanent exclusion if we didn’t remove her.

DD is now at social, emotional and behaviour school and very unhappy. Feeling ashamed and socially isolated. Not sure whether to push for mainstream for year 7 or leave her where she is. She has a lot of PDA characteristics, bright, articulate, imaginative, gets on well with other kids. Wants to work hard and do well but gets overwhelmed. I’m worried she won’t cope with the strict discipline of secondary.

I think we should have refused the special school place and made the LEA come up with a mainstream place for year 6. My dad was dying when all the school stuff kicked off (part of the cause I’m sure) and wasn’t in the best state to make decisions.

I am presuming your DD has an EHCP?

If DD is so unhappy at the new school clearly it is not right for her. I would call for an early annual review and ask for up to date assessment reports.

In the meantime go and look round all the schools in the area and in neighbouring authorities and see if you think any would suit DD.

at previous school threatening permanent exclusion instead of working with you to suss out why behaviour had deteriorated. Appalling.

It could be worth getting your own educational psychology assessment, ideally from someone with tribunal experience in case you have to go down that route. SOS SEN may be able to give you some names.

DD does have an EHCP. Wouldn’t get a special school place without it. I think she should have had a short placement in PRU to address issues but it was full. Appalling lack of provision here. No HF school despite higher than national average ASD rates.

Not sure what neighbouring LEAs are like. DD’s school takes kids from other LEAs. There is a HF school being built about 40 minutes away. Not sure if it would be suitable and if she would get a place.

Things have settled a bit a new school so I am applying for enhanced ASD provision at mainstream secondary. So few places though.