Anyone else dreading the start back at school

[twocutedarlings]

DD started reception last september. And after an extremley bumpy start she settled in ok - with lots of support from a TA.

There will be 8 new children in her class from next week so obviosly it will be a very demanding time for all the teaching staff. Im worried sick about the effect this will have on her, she doesnt have a statement (we are about to apply for one) but school have been fantastic and she has had 1 to 1 whenever she has needed it.

Her main problem is that she has a very short concentration span and she tends to wonder off. The school that she is at is massive and i am scared that she will wonder off and they might not notice.

I have explained to her that there will be alot of new children at the school and that the teachers will be very busy helping them settle in and that its important that if she needs to have time to herself she must let her teacher know, but she doesnt really understand, she has very little understanding of danger.

I just feel so hopeless, i wish i could stay at school with her, but i have my younger DD to look after.

I know how you feel - I asked if I could be my DS's TA, but of course they said no. I have my heart in my mouth every day he goes in (only 2 half days a week, year delayed in nursery). This holiday has been a break from that worry at least! My boy has a full-time TA, so that is a comfort, but the school are already making noises about him not being a "suitable candidate for mainstream" so I am worried every day that they are amassing evidence to suit their case. Yet the holidays also mean his sleep is all out of kilter, so we were up with him till 11 last night (he refused to let me leave his side in bed) and then he woke again at 6. I am at end of tether with holidays too, so you can't win! Wish I still smoked during the day! Coffee will be next best thing. I hope the teacher and TA can give you some comfort - if you tell them your worries, it will be less easy for them to ignore her as you will have triggered in them a health and safety concern, which schools have to take seriously nowadays I believe.

Yes same here with sleep patterns. I did mension to her teacher before the hols about my concerns, but i will certainly bring them up again next week.

It feels like we are starting all over again IYKWIM. Most of the DCs in her class are lovely and have excepted her (warts an all LOL). I know it wrong of me to think like this, but it kills me to see how other children react when they first meet her (parents are even worse) .

TCD

With any luck your DD will have the statement for the beginning of year 1. These things can take six months to set up; they are not quick things at all to do.

There is nothing to stop you applying for the statement; you can write an initial letter to the LEA asking for your DD to be assessed. It is important that you as the parents do this becuase you can appeal in the event they say no (school do not have this right). Be prepared for the LEA to say no. If they say no you must appeal.

IPSEA are very good at the whole minefield that is statementing and their web address is www.ipsea.org.uk. There are model letters on there you can use.

Thanks Attila, yes we are going to apply for the assessment with the schools backing, school have been really good (thank god).

twocute, I can help on statements too if you need it as it is all only too fresh in my mind!!

twocutedarlings I understand with how you feel. I'm also apprehensive with ds going to school tomorrow. He hates school and I know I'm going to get a lot of shouting before I even get him through the school gates. He's been pretty calm for the last few days at home, but sadly that'll all change once he's back I used to fret about him just walking out too, but it's never happened yet.

Good luck with the statement, it's good to hear you've got the backing from the school.

If you are still on twocutedarlings. you could bring dd2 round here, dh is still off and spend the morning with dd1. or we could take her to playgroup, I am kind of on my feet now.

Thanks so much cherry your a true friend

i will certainly take you up on your offer.