Pip Aged 8

Spot The Provision

Pip has been out of education for months now however remains on roll at his school in order to “keep him in the system” and for “safeguarding reasons” which is ironic seeing that one of the reasons he was pulled from school was due to concerns of welfare and safeguarding. The school has offered resources yet he can not access worksheets or the traditional style of learning.

Pip is an autonomous learner and is not one to access learning via desktops or tutors. The local offer is based on the assumption that children learn in a traditional manner at a desk with a tutor. Alternative provision for those who can not access a school-like environment does not appear to exist in our area – not appropriate provision to suit Pip’s learning style anyhow. He thrives in purposeful, immersive learning environments generally outdoors and yet despite being surrounded by the picturesque countryside we are yet to discover a forest or farm provision suitable.

Section 19 has been relayed in many emails to the LA including the head of Childrens’ Services reminding them of their legal duty in providing our son with a full time education and yet here we are spending every moment possible researching alternative provision whilst in the meantime facilitating his learning ourselves. If there is a “secret club” out there with provision we are yet to discover then any information would be gratefully received!