What to do??!!

[flyhigh]

Hi all. We have a daughter with a rare chromosome deletion that has just started secondary school. She is actually a bright little spark who has a remarkable way of being able to read non verbal communication and manipulating many situations to her advantage. She scored levels 3 and 4 in her SATS. She was at mainstream primary with a full statement. The problem is she just doesn't seem to 'fit' anywhere!! We visited lots of educational settings both special and mainstream. We found that the children in the special schools had far more severe learning difficulties than our daughter. After lots of meetings with her then teachers we opted to send her to a mainstream secondary school that was very inclusive.
I realise that it is only early days, just a week in, but my gut feeling is this just isn't going to work . She is struggling with friendships (she is very young socially) and the work she is able to produce without the 1 to 1 support is very poor. All I want is for her to be happy and have friends. Can anyone tell me where children like this should go to school?? Any advice greatly appreciated as I feel like I am getting it so wrong.

[billiejeanbob]

Have you looked at any independent schools? specialist or ms?

[flyhigh]

We looked at an independent mainstream school. Again, my concern was friendships as the year group was very small, only around 6 other girls and I felt that she would stand out way too much. I have spent ages on google looking for independent special schools but most are for more severe learning difficulties. She has dyspraxia and struggles getting dressed and some of the girls at her new school were making fun of her because of this .

[Veritata]

Might be worth looking at The New School at West Heath.

[flyhigh]

Where we are the statement changes at secondary level. 1:1 is not provided at ms secondary, the LA argue that if 1:1 is still needed then the child should be in a special provision. Yet, they do not provide a special provision that can meet the cognitive ability. It really is so frustrating.
I just took a look at The New School Veritata, it is very expensive but sounds similar to what I think we need.

[flyhigh]

Actually zzzzz our daughters consultant at GOSH has told us the best thing to do would be to find an independent establishment that meets her needs and 'take on' the LA to fund it!!

[Veritata]

flyhigh, you don't really need to worry about the fact that TNS is expensive, if dd is placed there under her statement it is the LA's responsibility - especially if they can't find an alternative that can meet her needs.

If you're anywhere near SE London, Riverston could be a possibility.

[billiejeanbob]

I think you need to speak to either maxwell gillott or ipsea about this. we are in a very similiar situation and tbh I am dreading secondary transfer. my dd has severe and complex needs in terms of motor coordination and dyslexia yet is cognitively very able.
have you had her assessed by an indie EP? they should be able to identify a school qhich can meet her needs and provide a suitable peer group.

[flyhigh]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. She has just been assessed by EP and she congratulated me on having such a unique daughter!! She agreed that there are no schools within our LA that she could pick out as a good fit. If only there was a crystal ball.....