Saw the special school yesterday

[lou031205]

So we went to see the special school, and were very impressed. Great facilities, loads of space, totally child focused from the minute we arrived, DD loved them.

That's great! Does that make the decision easier?

Yes, except that of course we are thinking of moving to Scotland in the Spring/Summer. But, our plan is to get the final statement naming the special school, then use that as evidence that she needs a SS in Scotland.

Hi Lou, whereabouts in Scotland are you thinking of?

Good plan. So pleased that seeing it has been positive for you.

im in north lanarkshire and getting into a special school, even in another LA, (Glasgow) was pretty easy to be honest, most of my friends that have wanted SN schools have got them no problem

Possibly South Ayrshire - it's where my father was born, and he & mum will be moving back to Scotland for financial reasons that are unavoidable.

They are a massive support to us & DD1 has a particularly close relationship with her DGD. Couldn't cope without them, & DD1 would be heartbroken. We live 1 mile away right now, and she still phones them each morning, sees them most days. We sometimes have to phone them in the night to calm her down if she wakes, and she loves to 'read' her screwfix catalogue with Dad.

Special needs wise there are 3 schools in south Ayrshire, all of them go right thru to secondary

South Park school in Ayr caters for for pupils with complex special educational needs related to moderate and severe learning difficulties, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and autistic spectrum disorders

Craigpark school also in Ayr caters for pupils who have complex additional support needs and multiple impairments, including, in many instances, complex medical and health needs.

A bit further south is Invergarven school in Girvan which caters for pupils with a wide range of special educational needs, including some children with severe and complex learning difficulties and associated physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

But you probably know all this already!

That's really helpful, glittery. Any reputation that you know of? Any areas to avoid? We might have a little say on where we will all move to, if it would make a huge difference to DD1.

dont know any of them personally but heres their most recent HMIe reports which might be useful, actually some of therm arent ver recent but might give you an idea what the schools are like?

Southpark inspection 2003

Craigpark inspection 2007

[[http://www.hmie.gov.uk/documents/inspection/Invergarvan%20Schoo l%20FINAL.htmlInvergarven inspection 2002]

There are some lovely areas down that way, lots of remote areas too that can be difficult to get to in the bad weather so maybe consider what services you might need to be near to, hospitals, supermarkets, chemists etc

This wikipedia page has a lot of the towns listed and a wee bit more about them.

try this one again!

l%20FINAL.html Invergarven inspection 2002

Grrr!

Invergarven inspection 2002

Finally!!!

if it was me i'd probably go for Ayr as you've got pretty much everything there...

Ayr Hospital with A&E dept, plenty of shops, good bus and rail links up to Glasgow, Prestwick Airport on the doorstep, ferryport to Ireland 5 miles up the road and plenty of nice villages and places to visit all around you!

Thanks, Glittery.

Have phoned Southcraig school (South Park & Craig Park merged this month! apparently) & they were lovely. they are sending a prospectus through.

Fab!
They didnt need to put much thought into the new name did they!

Well, today I emailed the principle EP for South Ayrshire, and she replied saying that Southcraig is the equivalent to the SS that will be in DD1's Statement. She said to let her know when we have a timescale and she will make the arrangements!!

aw thats great news! must make the thought of a big move a bit easier eh?

Glad the visit went well.

I can remember visiting the SN school DS2 was to attend. I had a feeling of dread, not sure what I expected to see (think institution ) but I was totally in awe of it.

When does your DD start?

Yes. Nothing is certain yet, but at least I know that we have provision sorted either way