Hi all,
I've posted this here as would really welcome some views from those who may share some of my sons challenges. Some know that I've had challenges with the sen transport and to cut a long story short I appreciate they are providing a service but neither my son nor I are getting on with it. Of the five days his been to school his had four different escorts and I now feel I'm handing my son to a different stranger everyday. He feels 'babied' seeing his friends waiting for the bus outside and he has someone walking with him to a taxi and even trying to hold his hand! (He 11, has his challenges but very independent minded like me). I know they're doing their best and following 'the rules' but feel especially as he becomes a teenager his going to feel very different to his friends and frustrated at the lack of independence.
I've actually now sold the house (its been on the market 3 years as we've really needed somewhere bigger). I've always wanted to go a particular town but had all night talks with my partner about the best way forward for my son during the next few years. I've come to the conclusion that rather than where I intended which would require transport that it would be better for my son to be as close to the school as I can find. The intention is that he can walk to school (even discounted the bus as crowded and wonder if he'd have problems with that). I asked my son his preference between transport or walking and he says walking as feel taxis are always changing etc. I also feel it will give him chance to create better bonds with friends as his very sociable when with friendly children and if close to school can invite them home, go to theirs etc. The closest suitable house I've found is half a mile from the school on same route as his cousin walks. It looks likely I can get this house but suddenly I'm up all night worrying. My concern is that he has this SEN label and that his in a communciation unit at the moment. Does this mean its not appropriate to walk half a mile with his cousin even if I feel he is very capable? Will the communciation unit refuse to let him go without an adult? I've thought that should problems arise I can drop off and pick up and on the three afternoons a week that I can't I can contract a private taxi for him. I know tho that he will not want me (mum) dropping and picking up when the others are walking/catching buses now.
Any advice would be most welcome. I sincerley want to do the very best for my son. I feel being close to the school will allow him the opportunities to increase his independence at his pace and of his chosing (I would never force him into something he wasn't happy with). I just can't see him accepting an escort and taxi at say 13. But am I mad for potentially allowing my child to walk half a mile even if thats what he wants? I know you don't know my son and judge his capabilities but any thoughts would be most welcome.
Thank-you x
