special needs education?

Question

if a child is statemented and on medication and needs special needs education,out of the two nearest special needs schools one we have been advised proffesionally not to go there and the other 15 miles which would mean 60 miles per day travelling, are there any alternatives excluding home tuition.
help help help.
thankyou

Answer 1

Well, if you can prove that the closest school is not appropriate as far as education goes, and the IEP accepts this, his placement would have to be the other school. If they place him there, as his least restrictive environment, then they MUST provide transportation. However, this is tricky because you have to get them to agree that the closer school is not appropriate. If they won't do that, then you really don't have a choice.

Has the IEP team even discussed these two schools as options? Legally you have a say in where the child goes to school, but the rest of the team also has a say. Good luck

Answer 2

Probably not. A lot of school systems concentrate their resources in a few schools like that--to make the best use of the resources they have. The long term solution is adequate funding for programs so they are more accessible (among other things). But that doesn't help you now.

I have three suggestions. The first is to check with the various agencies (including Vocational Rehabilitation) if paying for the transportation cost is a problem--you might be able to get some help.

The second is to plan--when you are in the market for a nother car--to get one that is cheap to operate (high gas mileage). If you are looking at a multi-year situation, that could save a lot of money.

Finally--and this is probably your best solution, if it will work--is to find other parent(s) in the same boat--and arrage a carpooling system where you spllit the time and ccost. 60 miles a day 5 days a week is a lot--but if you can cut it to 2-3 days, it will reduce the stress--and cost.

Answer 3

I don't think so hun I am sorry but if the child's needs are such that special eduction is whats best for them then there aren't really any other options. The mainstream school wouldn't be able to cope as they just don't have the facilities to help all the different needs. The government will as far as possible keep children in main stream schools, the only option I see is home schooling either yourself or employing a tutor. I feel you should find an official person to talk to about it, who told you not to go to the one nearest to you??? and why did they say it ??? have you been to check the place out for yourself?? 60miles is an awfully long way to go for school...I hope you can work something out good luck

Answer 4

Alternatives depend on the specific disability and its severity. Consider a few other things: does your child need a specialized school, or does he/she need a smaller environment, where staff practices direct instruction (DI) and uses phonics in the classroom? And where accommodations are met without spite or question? This is often found in small academically competitive private schools.

The most important thing you can do for yourself and your child is KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!!!!!! If you are dealing with a public school, please don't make the mistake of thinking that they are informing you of ALL of your rights, or that they know anything about the disability of your child. For instance, it is federal law that all individuals are entitled to FAPE, a Free Appropriate PUBLIC Education. This means that if your public school can not provide an appropriate education for your son or daughter, then they must pay your private tuition. I've been through this battle myself and have even done some advocacy work. Please, please consult an advocate and DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING from your public school without the advice of an advocate, no matter what the school might say or even threat. Know your rights, an use your rights, or else we will all loose them.

In terms of commute, my mom drove 2 hrs a day to get me to and from school. Because she did, I received my accommodations without question, and received and academically competitive education. I can read and write- this is essential to independence and the pursuit of happiness. Beyond this, I had a full hour alone with my mom in the car, where we could discuss anything without distractions. I'm now 24 years old and have missed this time with her greatly.

I hope this was helpful. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

It is impossible to give advice without more info - what is the basis for your child having a statement? There are many children with statements and regular medication who are capable of coping well in mainstream schools with the legally required support - would this work in your child's case? What was the professional advice for not attending the nearest special school and who gave it to you? Is it possible to get a second opinion on this or would it be possible for you and your child to visit the school in question to make up your own minds with input from the Headteacher and SENCO?

Answer 6

Travel the 60 miles if you have a car or bussing is provided. I have a similar issue. I work full time, but still travel about 1hr out of my way (each way - for a total of 2hrs a day) to get my son to the school that's best for him. It's worth every drop of gas.

However, I'm not judging if you choose differently. If you can do it, seriously consider making the trek. Whatever your choice...good luck!

PS: Home schooling is fine, but you need to be sure to get him involved in social activities. That's one thing he'll miss by not being in school. Also, if you choose home schooling, contact your school district as you are still eligible for IEPs (individual education plans) and services!!!!!

Answer 7

if your child has needs can the local authority not supply transport its a real difficult choice schooling and very daunting i do 20 miles or so a day and that gets me down my son has add and i dont want to move him you know ! make an appointment with a support worker make a list of questions and go from there xxgood luck everything will work out for the best btw mine is in mainstream school dont rule that out x

Answer 8

Is there an independent school near you for children with disabilites? If so, you can try getting the education authority to pay for a place.

Ruth Kelly just did it!

Good luck - I know what you're going through. But we were lucky in that our local special needs school was ok. Not great, but ok, and our child settled in fine.

Answer 9

I think you can fight for a place at a normal school. you don't have to send a child to a special school if it is reasonable posable that another school can accomadte them with added support. I think this issue got covered by the special educational needs code of practice 2001 under inclusion.
I don't think they can discriminate against disabled children in the administration and children with disabilities cannot be treated less favourable or placed at a disadvantage.

Answer 10

My son is in an MID class and the school he was in last year the teacher was so horrible that I ended up home schooling him and it helped. Have you personally gone to the school you were advised not to? You may have a different point of view