If your child starts to avoid school it can be a highly emotional and triggering time for families. We know how it feels, we’ve been there with our own families. My brother is autistic, and he (sometimes) attended a mainstream school. This experience was very difficult for him and it had a huge impact on our whole family. That was over 20 years ago (ouch!), and we knew much less than we do now. 

It's essential to open a dialogue with school asap to work on finding a solution that works best for your child. It’s in everyone's best interest to find a solution. And although it can sometimes feel like you’re on opposite sides, ultimately everyone wants the same outcome. A happy, healthy learner. 

At Gaia Learning, we specialise in supporting students who are struggling to attend a mainstream school. Through our partnerships with schools, and with our own personal experiences, we can be a trusted partner for schools and families.

We’ve got a few tips to guide you through this conversation, and we can offer our experience and support through a partnership with the school to create a supportive and flexible learning environment for your child.

• Gather information: Bring any documentation or evidence related to your child's school refusal, such as notes, emails, or behaviour records. This can help clarify the situation.
• Express Your Concerns: Begin the conversation with your child's school by expressing your genuine concerns. Share your child's challenges and the impact school refusal is having on their wellbeing and education. Be honest about your child's traits, as this information will help educators understand their unique needs.
• Highlight Your Child's Strengths: Alongside challenges, emphasise your child's strengths and interests. This provides a holistic view of your child, highlighting areas where they excel and where they may need additional support.
• Stay engaged: Keep the lines of communication open with the school and follow up regularly on your child's progress. Be flexible and willing to make adjustments to the plan as needed.
• Suggest Collaboration: Approach the conversation with a collaborative mindset. Let the school know that you're interested in working together to find the best solution for your child.

Bringing Gaia Learning into the Conversation: And if you think we can help, mention that Gaia Learning can be a valuable partner in this process. You can start by sharing this webpage with your school. We have a proven track record of working alongside schools and families across the UK to support students with all sorts of additional needs. If the school is happy to consider working with us, you can loop us into the conversation at any time. Just CC info@gaialearning.co.uk into your correspondence to introduce us.