Home Schooling

[sophieb]

Have posted this in Education as well. Does anyone have any experience of home schooling(UK). I am considering removing my youngest (9) from his school due to various problems. I don't want to make a hasty decision (either way) and regret it later. Thanks

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, i know a friend who tutors her child at home. The child seems ok, but i always think to myself, what sort of life is she actually having and what is she learning.
I know she will be learning the basic things, but what about association with other kids? She wouldnt learn how to be round other people properly or have a proper best friend, and other things like that.
I know a lot more people are teaching their kids at home these days beacause of all sorts of issues, but i think it has an adverse effect on their social learning...

[sophieb]

Thanks MrBen. I know what you mean about the social side of it but he has lots of friends, some who don't go to the same school and does quite a bit of out-of-school activities. He has ADD, Asperger's and mild dyslexia and can often become very frustrated. The school is in regular contact to discuss ' his difficult and unacceptable behaviour' and I feel he is not benefiting from a constantly negative environment. He is not 'difficult' at home or anywhere else, so I wondered if the problem lies in the school.

[B00]

The best person to speak to is noxlomus as he home schools his own children.

[sophieb]

Hi caz. Was typing as you replied! I have discussed various ways of helping both him and them but I always get told 'that would not be feasible' or ' that's not within school policy'. He is becoming withdrawn at home and doesn't want to talk about anything he has done at school.

[sophieb]

yes caz that's what i feel. I don't seem to be making any progress with them. They have singled him out as 'a difficult child' and make no extra provision for him.

[sophieb]

he was diagnosed in primary one but has never had a statement or record of needs or IEP or anything! I never knew about them until I spoke to another parent (similar problems-different school).

[sophieb]

Can I just apply to the new school? There are two near to us.

[Hellion]

I'm not certain but I believe you can apply to any school. I would ring and arrange to speak to the head teachers at the alternative schools and discuss issues with them. There are several statemnetd children at my sons school - not a special school at all - who have come there from other schools because this school provides better 'care' and schooling for those with special needs.
Good Luck.

[sophieb]

Thanks. I have a meeting today with Head Teacher and Class Teacher and will be asking why he doesn't have one. I'm really angry and now feel that the school has failed him!

[noxlumos]

Hi, I home school all of our children after problems at School with my eldest son whose deaf and now 21. The older ones have all gone on to degree level education and the younger ones thrive because they have a curriculem tailored to their needs and ability. The social aspect is actually a fallacy, as most home educated kids go to clubs for sports etc and my kids have a wide circle of friends and are not remotely socially inept. I have a four year old who is showing ASD signs and I am home educating him as well and again feel that as he has one to one education it will be better and easier for him. The "Education Otherwise" website is a good starting point for you and should you need anything specific answered I 'd be pleased to.
All of the above posters are right though in that you should have more help thatn you have been recieving so look into that first perhaps.

[sophieb]

Thank you everyone! The school meeting on friday wasn't very much help! I have asked for another meeting with them and a representative of the Education Department for our area(school now worried!) as I believe the school has just been doing what is best for them and not my son. As you say nox I'm not worried about his social life just that he is not being allowed to reach his full potential.