School refuses to allow autistic child to attend an induction day

That's very kind, thank you.

Awww, he sounds like such a little darling; of course you feel angry and deflated, it's shocking isn't it, there should be a provison for him and he could go with his friends, I get it.  Guess the older I get the less fight I have left in me, life's tiring when we're fighting for change isn't it when what we want to feel is we are living, I find working with what I can do a much better option for me - a lot less stress and fight needed. Take the time you need to be with how you feel and gather your thoughts over the next few days. I would say you have a strong case for some funding but I dont know where from. He may well have just had a lucky escape. You will make this come good for him x

I was thinking about tutors and distance learning. There is a College that will teach Y3 to Y11 online, so Nathan could perhaps study different subjects at different levels, Maths - that he is quite good at - at Y6 level, but English maybe Y4 for example. But these courses are £450 each subject, so 5 subjects would be over £2000 a year. Tutors seem to charge about £25 to £35 an hour. We just couldn't fund this without some financial support.

Sadly Nathan is developmentally younger than his years and has not developed mutual friendships. He is well looked after by the other kids in his class who have grown up with him, but doesn't really have any friends.

Sorry but feeling a bit pessimistic at present.

Thanks for your thoughts though I do appreciate it. 

Unsure, hopefully others can answer.  I think mental health is the number one priority, if this is in good shape then he will naturally want to learn, the school really needs to be autism aware and friendly doesn't it.  With home school you could take a more autonomous approach, learn what he wants to learn, follow his curiosity and include some functional skills, and go to clubs and activities he wants to go to - mainstream often comes with a number of challenges and anxieties and very little to no choices; Ive also heard some dreadful stories due to a lack of understanding and support - so it makes sense the school needs to be welcoming and geared up. 

Ordinarily, I know parents don't get funding, there's a bit of push to get the GCSE exam fees and course materials provided now but as yet there is no change, making a compulsory register seems to be the first aspect on the Government's agenda as they don't really know how many kids are currently home schooled; but it may be different with this EHCP?  There's lots of support online and free resources available.

Colleges and Universities seem to offer much better support; secondary schools ought to follow their example.  The support is in place there; home school is not a barrier to HE either if he does want to go that way eventually.

Does he have any friends in Junior school that you could keep in touch with?  

We are starting to think we have no option. Is there any funding available for tutors and books etc? Is he still entitled to his EHCP provision? Does anyone know?

Dreadful. I wouldn't want him going if this is what is happening at the very start. If there are no good options in your area have you considered home school? 

Thanks very much we shall take a look. 

Thanks very much for your advice. The LA seem to think the schools in general could meet his needs and reject some - though not all - of the schools assertions that they can't. Of course we don't want him forced on any establishment, we would have no confidence that a school that doesn't want him will be any good for him. I suspect will shall end up with him not attending school at all. Home education might be the only option. 

Great advice.

I would write to the school and copy in the L.A. ask headmaster to state exact reasons why he thinks his school is unsuitable. He can’t wriggle out of this so easily! Also gently mention that you will be speaking to Ofsted about this also.

In meantime you probably should look for more inclusive school for your son. I would not put my child where he’s clearly not wanted. 

If you are on Facebook there’s good group called EHCP Experiences England. Lots of support there x

I'm in Derbyshire and there's a shortfall if that's any help.

That sounds awful.

well in that case is it worth going back to the council and saying as no one will accept him. They have to provide out of school education for him. OUST l think it's called.

After all they legally are entitled to provide him with education.

Can you call your local elected MPs office and getting a appointment at his next surgery, should be very soon.

I'm about to do an educational health care plan for my 12-year-old and from what I'm hearing your story is very common.

I personally believe that there is something wrong with the system and not the other way round.

Have you looked into other schools locally more welcoming and with more funding to cater.

If the heads being anti at the mo maybe they are not the school for you.

Have you got an educational psychologist on board?

Was the school chosen by the local authority as it's renowned for its work with autistic children or was it just given to you because it was a local school.

Are there any of schools locally that have an arc or a hub or have a high number of children doing well with autism.

If the heads being like this now l personally would be looking somewhere else. 

We have been looking for the last year. Sadly Nathan has been turned down - that is to say the schools all state they cannot met his needs - by every school the LA have sent his EHCP to, including one with an autistic hub 10 miles away. Sadly too he has been turned down by the nearest NAS school due - in part - to his vulnerability and the risks to him of exposure to challenging behaviours of other pupils. 

I have a phone call booked with IPSEA in the morning, but as I speak there is no educational establishment which will - voluntarily - take him in September.

IPSEA might be helpful or talking to your local council and the team who made the decision.

Have you looked into other schools locally more welcoming and with more funding to cater.

If the heads being anti at the mo maybe they are not the school for you.

Have you got an educational psychologist on board?

Was the school chosen by the local authority as it's renowned for its work with autistic children or was it just given to you because it was a local school.

Are there any of schools locally that have an arc or a hub or have a high number of children doing well with autism.

If the heads being like this now l personally would be looking somewhere else.