Acadmeically average+ but cannot manage mainstream - no suitable schools locally

[elsiemarleysellsthebarley]

Does anyone have any experience of either finding a suitable school or using a range of options for a child like this?

DS (y7, ASD/ ADHD/ demand avoidant behaviour) has been in a wonderful special school for nearly 2 years following a hugely traumatic time in mainstream (he had violent meltdowns at home and in school). He is now a different child and thriving emotionally. However long term they can’t meet his academic needs. He wants to study something like maths/science/computing at university. But they can only offer gcse English and maths. I’m not sure if university is his best option but don’t want to close that door for him by ruling out GCSEs.

I have found schools in other parts of the country that would be perfect - but nothing anywhere near us at all.

does anyone have any suggestions or experience? I cannot provide the emotional/ behavioural education he gets at school so am very reluctant to go down the home Ed route (financially it would be v v difficult also). But has anyone had EOTAS mixed with part time special school for example? Or weekly boarding??? I’m trying to think outside the box. There is one school where he could do biology and art as well as maths and English - then topping up at home starting early to spread them out???

Any ideas very welcome! TIA

Academically able… - looks his brains didn’t come from me…

Would boarding be an option?

Have you looked at all options within travelling distance (typically considered 1hr15 in secondary, although some travel further), including independent and non-maintained special schools? Sometimes there are hidden schools, so it’s worth asking around locally, searching for schools here and maybe asking on MN.

You can have a bespoke package with a setting named in section I with some of the package delivered in a special school and some otherwise than at school for the parts it would be inappropriate for DC to receive it in a school. But, you can’t have section I blank if attending a school like you would with a full EOTAS/EOTIS package.

Another option is for the current school to deliver a more bespoke curriculum. That can sometimes work, with the school bringing in staff if needs be or online but in school if online would work for DS. But it would need to be clearly set out in the EHCP.

If he is happy there, then I would keep him where he is. The journey to university is not linear. He can do a levels or gcses later in life. I would focus on keeping him happy while he gets older and works out who he is and what he struggles with and how to ask for the right help.

Thank you for the replies. I spoke to the echp coordinator today and it sounds like a bespoke approach, with tutors and staying at his current school is a possibility - I was expecting them to push for return to mainstream or a different, but still limited academically, special school. So feeling much more positive. The current school will have to apply for the money so it’s not guaranteed but it would cost the LEA a lot less than sending him to board out of county (the closest ‘ideal’ school is over 2 hrs away).

That sounds positive.

The current school will have to apply for the money so it’s not guaranteed

If you get the provision in F, the LA would then be responsible for ensuring the provision was provided. That includes ensuring there is sufficient funding.