Are Private Schools good with support?

[parkingside]

Just curious. DS is due to go to a Private Secondary school. He has won their music scholarship (so he'll get free music lessons in 2 different instruments). Not sure if that makes any difference, as we still pay the fees.

He has been through a hell of a lot this year, various things, and I'm wondering if they offer a lot of support (counselling/other plans to make life easier) or is this only state schools? If so, we'll seriously reconsider!

Any advice or anyone who has dealt with Private School support?

[HPandBaconSandwiches]

Entirely depends on the school in question. They vary enormously. You need to go and have a chat with the head tbh.
Our independent primary is superb and v nurturing. Others we viewed were much less so and we're more focused on results. Completely impossible to lump all private schools together!!

[suchafuss]

Private school my daughter attended was dreadful on SN

[Lonecatwithkitten]

It's really variable DD has had counselling and tuition in smaller specialist groups when required. I know of other children on reduced time tables for a variety of reasons.
Equally I know of another school where a girl was 'managed' out as she had glandular fever and was not going to achieve the grades the school required her to.
Go and ask the questions.

[branofthemist]

Depends on the school. There are three private schools in our immediate area. 2 are fantastic (both single sex schools run by the same people on 2 sites)

The other is awful for support. You need to look into the school more and find out what they offer and meet with the people who organise it.

[FirstTimerAtBeingAMummy]

It's based on the individual school. I work in a private school and the support that we offer is exceptional. We tailor support to each individual child's needs. I would ask to speak to the SENCO or ALNco or the head of pastoral to see what they will out in place for your child.

[NotYoda]

This is a really strange question to ask, IMO

Are you a journalist?

[NotYoda]

... to elaborate. It's strange to ask what Private schools in general do, when you are sending your "child" to a particular school, which you chose

[BertrandRussell]

It depends on the school, just as it is in state schools. But generally private schools have less provision for children with additional needs, and you will have to pay for a lot of things that are free at state schools.

And private schools can, (but obviously usually don't), as a child to leave on the strength of their additional needs alone, state schools can't.

[LIZS]

Agree it depends on the school and the nature of the issues. Boarding schools perhaps have more experience of dealing with emotional problems but day schools also usually have support systems, there may be a counsellor, SENCO or chaplain as well as a nominated member of staff for pastoral care. It might be as well to ensure HOY is aware in the first instance and can make relevant referrals. SEN are normally flagged up during the application process so you can get a feel earlier as to whether they will be supportive.

[EreniTheFrog]

It hugely depends on the school. Some are very good, and some offer way less than anywhere in the state sector. You cannot generalise.