[jennyjuniper]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Frankly the state system isn't much better at the moment, we're having quite a few issues with our youngest at the moment. She is ASD but also has developmental delays and other specific educational issues. In the area there is an ASD unit within a mainstream primary school, and also a Special Education school. She NEEDS to be at the latter. The ASD unit is simply not suitable for her emotional or educational needs. However, as both receive funding based on how many pupils they have, and the ASD unit (by its own admission!) is struggling with funds, they have essentially made "a bid" for my daughter in an attempt to force the issue of her going there so that they can receive the local education funding. It's a mess. What they don't seem to be fully understanding is that they are not getting that funding either way... if she doesn't get her place within the special education unit, she will be being home-educated for at least the next one or two years. I think they might think we're bluffing? Or that we will be desperate to have her out of the house so will just end up going along with it. Truth is I'd happily keep her here and, being honest, have some concerns over how ready she is to be in full time education regardless.

The look on their faces though when it's made clear that we understand their system inside out and are well aware that the entire thing is a grab for funding. Silent guppy fish "Umm err umm but if umm err". I suspect a lot of parents just "trust the system", when the system is quite blatantly pretty corrupt, broken, and desperate for funding. Sorry guyz my austistic daughter is not being your cash cow.

... /sort of unrelated rant.

Well said. My son is autistic, but thankfully here in Denmark we lived near to an excellant school for special children and he thrived there. Hope your daughter gets the same chance.