This blog post was written on 3/2/2020

Today, I went to visit a therapeutic school. It is so far, perhaps the 17th school I have visited. I have been all over Derby City, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in a bid to secure Charlie a placement that will suit his individual learning needs. It’s been exhausting, mentally draining, and the list of schools where I have spoken to SENCO and the heads of the schools is even longer! Our journey to get the right school placement has definitely taken it’s toll and it honestly shouldn't be that hard. I’ve now got to the stage where I’ve forgotten which school have said yes/no and their reasons why. Which has to be the most crucial bit, knowing why they feel they can not meet the needs of a child like Charlie.

At present, there are 2 schools in the pipeline, both independent schools, both with a price tag of over £70k a year, does my child need this? Yes! How do I know? Evidence! We didn’t get to this point without a lot of trial and error, and a lot of investigating. However, I feel like I’m battling a brick wall at the moment.

This list of schools is endless, and I have seen all schools, from Mainstream schools with Enhanced Resource Units, Special Schools, Schools for Autism and Independent Specialist Schools. And so far, not one has said they are able to meet my little boy’s needs. I have got a spreadsheet of all the schools and alternative provisions I have identified myself, I am happy to pass this along, please get in touch.

I will keep you updated on our struggles.

Georgina x