- Did anybody struggle leaving behind their childs mainstream school? My son is 10 years old and has just completed year 5 in his mainstream school- we are immensely proud. He will be starting specialist in September. Now this specialist school we have fought so hard to get it was even going to Tribunal but LA conceded early hence him starting a year before I'd "mentally " prepared myself for. I know alot of parents have had bad experiences with their child in mainstream but our experience despite some of his struggles has been pleasant....weve always felt supported, my child has always had a 1:1 that's met needs and he's made so much progress but unfortunately we just came to the end of the line. I knew when he wasn't managing to stay in class at all and was just working in the corridors I had to face facts and accept he was ready for specialist with smaller groups..he also wouldnt stand a chance in secondary as he couldnt navigate independently and is working and is mentally 5 years behind. I walked him out of his mainstream yesterday for the last time and it's hit me harder than I ever expected...I'm utterly heartbroken....he's spent 6 of his 10 years with these children and now I'm tearing him away from everyone he knows. His TA's cried with me, they made such a memorable last day for him. I also witnessed the year above parents coming out of their leavers assembly which was another bitter reminder that we won't be here next year for ours. Now I'm not deranged I'm aware specialist is what my son needs and no doubt this new school will be amazing! But I have not stopped crying all week and it's not made it any easier to say bye. I've thoroughly enjoyed school runs (I know I'm strange)and now everything will change. I have to learn to trust new people to look after my vulnerable child and I've found this has unearthed alot of anxiety in me that I thought I had under control about him. Originally the LA tried to name a completely unsuitable school which has made me realise how out of control I am over his future....I spent thousands on private reports (which put me in financial difficulty)to update his ehc and appeal for this specialist school. I thought by the time he'd be starting I'd feel ok but I don't. Can anybody tell me this is normal to feel this way? Does it get any easier? Did your child settle at the new school?