did we make the right decission moving out of mainstream???

[mebaasmum]

DS1 moved to a specialist school at 11, now end of year 8. We moved hom because we didnt think he would cope in a large secondary without so much support it wpuld stiffle him. At primary he was always very well behaved, though not at home!!!. Work wise he was OK but slow and quite dependant on his LSA. (same one from reception till year 6). I have been a bit concerned for a while. (Its a boarding school ). Over Easter I thought there was a big deterioration in his behaviour, eating habits , hand skills. Just had his report, Other than music, he appears to be loud, silly and attention seeking. Academically I dont think he is acheiving what he should be. But thats me. All the boys in his year group have some behaviour issues so there isnt good role models.His statement review is in June. By the way he adores the place. Do we leave him there. DH thinks so, move him back to mainstream. Probibly will be in lower groups so may encounter behaviour problems. Or home ed
I have also posted on special needs education , but there is more people over here!!!

Have you told the school your concerns? How do they feel he is getting on? Do you think there is a way to improve the situation without moving him, e.g. by giving him more support in school or moving to a different class?

Do you think the effects of puberty are kicking in and may be having an effect on his behaviour?

I have to admit that, as I'm seeking a residential specialist school for my DS (11), I know it's a fight and if my LA agreed to fund it, I can't imagine giving it up for any reason! However, every situation is different and DS has challenging behaviour to start with. Not all specialist schools deal with challenging behaviour so it may be that a different specialist school would be more suitable for your DS?

Do you think the school might be reducing the focus on academics in order to teach other skills - social skills and independence skills? That is something I've had to accept will happen if DS gets his placement, but it's not the right approach for everyone.

If you are seriously considering mainstream, I would start looking around your local mainstream schools and asking what kind of support they could offer and what experience they have. I would also look at other specialist schools - they are all so different in nature and he may well thrive at another placement.

I think puberty is a large part. I also think the school is not structured enough in its approach. There are lots of positives, the class sizes are very small, 6 in year group but they are setted for some things so only 3 in a group.. i dont think academic aspirations are high enough. The school claims pupils sit 8-9 GCSE's but in the last couple of years the number getting 5 is very low.
At school to much of their free time is spent watching utube and trains videos!!!. Another boy in the class would spend hours making train noises on his keyboard and no one thought it appropriate to limit this. in the end the kids took matters into there own hands!!!. I will get back onto them. i am not planning on throwing the baby out with the bathwater!! Only glad we didnt go to tribunal to get it