SEN Education

[SFCA]

Our lovely DS has very complex needs. He cannot walk, talk, eat, follow basic instructions or communicate his most basic needs. I have just read his school report and there are sections on teaching him phonics, days of the week and numbers 😳 The school obviously have their hands tied by the national curriculum but it seems to be an insane use of time. I have to say he has made so much progress since shielding when he has lots of attention and we can focus on motor skills and communication....

Am I missing something or being unreasonable please? If I am not then is there anything I can do about this?

Thank you!

It is interesting how many people are saying their children have bloomed out of school. One of mine has been very happy (sometimes bored) but the other has been extremely challenging.

If it is a maintained school (local authority) then yes they do have to follow the National Curriculum but with the flexibility to adjust it according to their pupils needs. Non maintained (academies/independents and free schools) do not have to follow the NC and can create their own.

I have had experience of numerous settings with my 3 dc's. The independent special school provided a bespoke timetable complete with speech and language and occ. therapy, based solely on my son's needs. We have also had a differentiated timetable again to meet ds's needs in a local authority special school.

In the first instance I would speak to your son's teacher to raise your concerns and share with her how much he has developed with his motor skills and communication. Each school will have their own escalation complaint process and if you do not feel the explanation is valid, you can escalate it further. Teaching staff/senior leadership may help you see the purpose and validity of what is being taught, and at the same time value your feedback.