A mother writes:

Christopher was previously in a Mainstream School with a Hearing Impaired Unit (HIU). At first he seemed happy to go school, but after a couple of years he did not want to go anymore. He required BSL tuition to develop and enhance his language skills and he had more success when he worked on highly differentiated tasks out of the classroom in small groups. He could not keep up with the class curriculum and his self esteem and confidence was dramatically reduced. We asked for a meeting with all involved with Christopher, to talk about whether this was an appropriate school for him. It was agreed that a specialised school would be much more suitable. After this, we looked at various different schools, and decided with Christopher that the Royal School for the Deaf in Exeter would be able to effectively cater for his needs through all of his schooling years. The school could offer a specialist curriculum to accommodate him and small classes. Furthermore, all teachers and communication support workers could sign, plus there is an Audiologist and Speech Therapist on site.

As a family we then decided to move to Devon so Christopher could attend the School. The LEA informed us that a place at the School would not be funded and that we must look at a local School with an HIU. We stated that we would like to go to an appeal, and were told that Christopher would have to go to the local school while we were waiting for the appeal to be processed. We refused these terms and said that under no circumstances were we willing to put Christopher into a school that could not cater for his needs. We sought external advice and they contacted the LEA with their views. After this, the LEA agreed to Christopher having a place at Royal School for the Deaf Exeter.

Since starting at the School Christopher’s confidence and self-esteem has grown and he is a happy and well adjusted child again. He is in a class of six with a full time teacher and a learning support assistant who all sign, and he also follows a curriculum suited to his needs. He has a lot of friends who he sees at School and also out of school.

The whole process was a roller coaster ride. At different times I felt disappointment, guilt, relief, excitement, bewilderment and finally happiness. Parents should find out as much as possible about all that is on offer and to visit all schools concerned. They should make their own choice and stick with it. I believe they, of course, know their child better than anybody else. If they have to fight for their choice, I believe that they should keep going and try to find somebody who has been through it already who can offer advice and support.

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