Moving home and school choices
Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 10:03 am
Apologies as this is a bit long.
1. We are considering moving home to be within a school’s catchment area - School A – with excellent ASD unit.
Though my DC will be sitting for the 11+, there is no guarantee – not that I don’t think my son can do it – but what if he does not make the first top - 180 students as the Bexley admission policy requires – others deemed selective are considered by the distance to the school. This grammar do not have a specialised SEN unit but the head gave assurance that the kids are well assisted.
We live over 4 miles away from the nearest Bexley Grammar - and we have no confidence in our local comp- School B - I rang them and they wont bother to see me until October – a bit too late to start thinking of our options whereas school A arranged a meeting with us next week.
2. My son has a statement – no clear diagnosis – 1st doctor thought it was ADHD but now questioning that and school thinks its more social communications difficulties (SCD). ADHD nurse sent to school to observe. He does not need full support though so is quite capable for managing himself but do have the occasional lapses – where he needs clear structure to stay on tasks and organisation. The SENCO at school A have said we have to be in the catchment area - which is no more than a mile – as the crow flies . I have been told if we have to move we have to do this before the autumn term.
Another option is to stay put and fight the LEA via the appeal route – their argument will be that they will provide the resources for the local school but I have been told that does not always work well. Chances look slim on this one. How do I win this with the LEA – as the question will be why is school B not suitable.
Big decision time for us really – we rather not move –but to be even consider for admission to school A with a statement – we have to live with catchment area - no more than 1 mile. School B do not have a specialised unit for SEN – they do have some interventions. We feel school A will be well placed to deal with SCD issues.
Has anyone faced this situation.? Please advice me anyone?.
1. We are considering moving home to be within a school’s catchment area - School A – with excellent ASD unit.
Though my DC will be sitting for the 11+, there is no guarantee – not that I don’t think my son can do it – but what if he does not make the first top - 180 students as the Bexley admission policy requires – others deemed selective are considered by the distance to the school. This grammar do not have a specialised SEN unit but the head gave assurance that the kids are well assisted.
We live over 4 miles away from the nearest Bexley Grammar - and we have no confidence in our local comp- School B - I rang them and they wont bother to see me until October – a bit too late to start thinking of our options whereas school A arranged a meeting with us next week.
2. My son has a statement – no clear diagnosis – 1st doctor thought it was ADHD but now questioning that and school thinks its more social communications difficulties (SCD). ADHD nurse sent to school to observe. He does not need full support though so is quite capable for managing himself but do have the occasional lapses – where he needs clear structure to stay on tasks and organisation. The SENCO at school A have said we have to be in the catchment area - which is no more than a mile – as the crow flies . I have been told if we have to move we have to do this before the autumn term.
Another option is to stay put and fight the LEA via the appeal route – their argument will be that they will provide the resources for the local school but I have been told that does not always work well. Chances look slim on this one. How do I win this with the LEA – as the question will be why is school B not suitable.
Big decision time for us really – we rather not move –but to be even consider for admission to school A with a statement – we have to live with catchment area - no more than 1 mile. School B do not have a specialised unit for SEN – they do have some interventions. We feel school A will be well placed to deal with SCD issues.
Has anyone faced this situation.? Please advice me anyone?.