Friday 16 March 2018

Change is in the Air

Firstly, I have to thank everyone who took the time to send us messages of love and support after my last blogpost (well more of an outpouring than a post). I'd like to say that we have managed to sort things out - we haven't... but there is light at the end of the tunnel - or at least a glimmer.

We are still waiting for the Local Authority to make a decision on TJ's EHC Plan - which could enable him to stay at his current school, or give him access to specialist environment but, in the event, that it doesn't go through then we have to look at other options. With KC still homeschooling to keep them both at home would be untenable.

But... I met with a lovely SENCo at a mainstream Secondary School - who was amazed that TJ didn't have an EHC but also accepted that in the current climate there is every chance he still won't get one (It's all about the money!) However, she advised us to keep appealing and whilst we waited she could offer TJ a place in a small class with a specialist curriculum. I thought I was going to cry...

She got it - she understood his needs and his diagnosis. I was relieved. Although she did mention another specialist school where she felt he would be better placed - but yet again, we need that golden bit of paper - the EHC!

Then as we were leaving she asked me what TJ's mum did - I smiled, 'He has two dads' " I replied.

She stopped, 'Oh we haven't had that here before - I hope the other children don't make it an issue..."

Suddenly I'm worried again...

Sigh...

So, our final decision is (if we don't get the EHC) to give this school a go whilst we appeal. If the appeal goes through - then great. If it doesn't and TJ hates this school then we can join the army of SEN parents and homeschool him in September when KC goes back to a specialist school.

it will be a tough few months - but at least we have a plan...

And if all that fails - here is our Go Fund Me page - any millionaires out there? (well, its worth a shot!)

https://www.gofundme.com/tj039s-school-fees


Update: I had barely pressed send when the potential new mainstream school's SENCo called - to say she had been thinking about things and now she was concerned that a mainstream school may not be suitable for TJ - she didn't want to take him on and then him have to move to specialist education in Key Stage 4 - when she expects him to really struggle... sigh...