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Homeschooling advice

Lalylou

Our wonderful autistic boy is 9yrs old (recently diagnosed) and having a really difficult time at school. He is frequently refusing to go in to school, initially due to his fears around sports and maths, but also he cannot handle large social groups and the noise is just too overwhelming. Mainstream isn't right for him (for many reasons) so we are seriously considering home schooling. Where do i start? Anyone else navigated this and have any tips? All we want is a happy boy who can be himself - he is very happy at home. We live in Hertfordshire. 

Parents

  • Does your child have an HCP? If so, you need to discuss home-schooling with your local authority SEND team. If he does not have an EHCP, then legally speaking, all you need to do is give written notice to your son's Head Teacher that you " intend to educate him otherwise than at school ".  The school will inform the LEA.  You will probably be contacted by an Education Welfare Officer or advisory teacher and asked to provide some information about your plans. You are not required to follow the National Curriculum, but you are required to provide " efficient full-time education according to his age ability and aptitude taking into account any special educational needs he may have." [Education Act 1996 s.7]

    You might want to consider encouraging him to try social activities so he can meet other kids. Many autistic kids thrive in structured activities such as martial arts, uniformed youth organizations, drama groups etc., especially where the adult leaders are autism aware.

Reply

  • Does your child have an HCP? If so, you need to discuss home-schooling with your local authority SEND team. If he does not have an EHCP, then legally speaking, all you need to do is give written notice to your son's Head Teacher that you " intend to educate him otherwise than at school ".  The school will inform the LEA.  You will probably be contacted by an Education Welfare Officer or advisory teacher and asked to provide some information about your plans. You are not required to follow the National Curriculum, but you are required to provide " efficient full-time education according to his age ability and aptitude taking into account any special educational needs he may have." [Education Act 1996 s.7]

    You might want to consider encouraging him to try social activities so he can meet other kids. Many autistic kids thrive in structured activities such as martial arts, uniformed youth organizations, drama groups etc., especially where the adult leaders are autism aware.

Children
  • in reply to Ian

    Thank you, that’s helpful :)  No EHCP yet but we plan to start the process shortly. He has done taekwondo in the past and also enjoys solo sports like tennis and swimming. My feeling is that he may want to socialise a little more once we have taken the pressure of school off him, and he has freedom to make those choices himself.