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Not sure tbh. It sounds similar to what my son experienced when he first went to a PRU. He spent 4 days there and one back in his old mainstream. For lots if reasons it didnt work. Basically because the reasons he didnt cope in mainstream hadn't gone away so that one day became tortuous for him.If it were for a short period then possibly but as a long term thing then I'd worry whether she'd feel like she fitted in anywhere.Girls, particularly, can be quite cliquey and if she was inky there for one day a week then I would think friendships could be difficult.There must have been good reasons for removing her from mainstream? What's changed? Will the robust support that she needs on that one day be forthcoming? She will be taking a place in two schools - is that doable or even allowable? Will she be taking a part time space that another full time child could be allocated?Special schools - in my experience - are very good at recognising a child's need and knowing whether a return to mainstream is feasible. Maybe you need to give them the chance to contribute to your thought process - something they can only do when they know your child.

I think I'd be wary as it means more changes, different routines, more people involved etc..... But you know your dd better than anyone and what she can cope with.In my opinion, as mainstream is your ultimate preferred choice, I'd start back in full time mainstream, but with constant one to one support (assuming you now have a statement) with one trusted adult who understands the issues.I cannot tell you the difference it has made to my ds having that one to one, its not perfect but ds is coping really well now and therefore is learning. They take everything at a pace ds can handle, he's probably only in the classroom about 30 % of the time, spends time in a quiet room one on one and other times in a very small group, all that is guided by how he is that day. He was unregistered for reading this time last year and now is reading age 7.Anyway, as I say, just my opinion, I'm sure you'll know what's right for your dd. xx

Oh and if you have specialist provision on the statement you can still have mainstream.

I can imagine that it would be difficult to pull off because of the funding situation for each school - if your daughter takes a place at the SEN school, then it wouldn't be available to another child, and SEN schools are usually popular and over subscribed.And then there's the place at the mainstream school.I think this is where you will run into difficulties. Most people I know who have worked on having a child re-introduced to mainstream have had their children attend a specialist school for several months or years and then go back on a planned basis.but good luck

Hi Angelgirl,No experience myself, but I know it is done quite a lot, so even if the sEN team in your LEA haven't come across it, it's not that unusual.There is a group for parents with special needs children 'specialkidsintheuk' where a few of the children have a split placement. Perhaps you could ask on there. (There is an open forum for non-members and a private one for members, but the open forum is quite active and helpful.A girl in my daughter's school (a bit younger) did mainstream in her local primary for reception, then three days a week in special school (severe and complex) and two days in her local primary - I think it was in reception again. Not quite sure what she is doing now (not in the same class any more so I don't see her mum). Good luck.BB

I know a girl who did this. Both schools were on the same site. I believe that it was fairly ad hoc as to which school she was in at any moment in time. She has now left and is in a different special school.Thinking about my girls, they would both struggle with the different approaches/rules/staff/children that attending 2 vastly different schools would bring. (It would be chaos for them).Also, the gap between mine and their mainstream peers widened as they got older - if special school is being considered as appropriate for your dd at 5, - it sounds optimistic to expect her to rejoin mainstream in the future. Having said that, obviously, I don't know her or her issues, but my girls have thrived in special school.

It does sound like it may be a little confusing, and will mean lots more people for your dd to get used to and two new environments to cope with.If you would like your dd in mainstream, then why not try a part time placement in the mainstream school.. a few hours a week and build it up very slowly. If they are being understanding about things then hopefully they would work with you on this.