As a parent of two young neurodiverse children, I have found it incredibly
difficult for my children to receive enough support to allow them to safely
attend our chosen independent school. Because of this, we now homeschool as we
have no other option that will meet their needs sufficiently.
ALL schools should be given equal amounts of funding to support students to a
access an education and the benefits of the school community. Independent
schools simply don’t get enough funding to support students with additional
needs. More teachers aids must be made available, funding for sensory rooms,
aids, and areas for children to regulate safely are VITAL for these kids to be
able to learn in the school environment. More funding to keep students safe
from running out of school, or climbing fences must be provided so children
don’t flee from school grounds if they become very dysregulated. My child
needed a safe quiet place in his classroom, and a desk with a blanket over the
top of it was what was offered, its honestly appalling that these kids can’t
have access to a space within the school that is quiet, where they can go and
swing, or sit, or use some other sensory equipment to help them regulate so
they can cope with the demands of being at school. SO many families have turned
to homeschooling because their children with neurodiversities just aren’t
getting their needs met sufficiently.