Panicking over choosing school

[Laurajay84]

As the title suggests, I am panicking about finding a school for DS who is 3 and has autism.

I am very aware that we need to start the EHCP process for school in September 2017. However, the school choice is completely overwhelming.

1. The school nearest to us is in special measures because it is so poor.
   
2. The local special school is even more dismal.
   
3. We live in a heavily subscribed area where the schools are bursting at the seams.
   
4. There is one school in the next county but only a couple of miles away that has an asd unit but says it is for 'severe learning disabilities' and not sure whether right for DS and his twin brother.
   
5. Putting DS in a busy class of 30+ children wouldn't sit right with me.
   
6. There is a smallish non-selective prep school literally down the road but don't know if they would take him. Can you name a private school on an ehcp??
   
7. Would love a specialist asd school but none at all in area.
   
8. Have looked at private montessori primary although only rateD 'good' at ofsted.....again, don't know if they would take him or could be named on ehcp.
   
9. Have considered home educating with private tutor for important subjects....but what about his brother?
   

10. Arghhhh....I'm so confused!

[Laurajay84]

Thanks zzzz, you're always so helpful and a fountain of knowledge

Do you know if an independent school can be named on an ehcp?

[coffeemachine]

is it am MS private school? From hear say, private MS school don't seem to be very accommodating re SN and if your DS has complex learning needs, then they may not take him in any case. I only know of very HF children with ASD in private MS schools.

agree with zzzzz, the school naming bit comes in the later stages of the EHCP so would leave that open for now and see what the reports say in relation to his needs and I would also visit as many schools as possible. I wouldn't read too much into ofstead reports either. 'outstsnding' does not really into 'outstanding' for SEN pupils.

Do you have a local parent groups yiu could connect with. we have one locally on Facebook and it is a mine of information.

[Laurajay84]

Regardless of the ehcp, looking through my list, which school would you advise?

[whatamess0815]

I don't think anybody here can tell you. you really need to visit the school I think.

[mummytime]

Visit the schools, and ask questions based on what you know now of their needs. Make sure you see the SENCO, and see how EHCP's are shared with staff etc.
A great SENCO is worth their weight in Gold.

[MeirAya]

Special measures may be a good thing. It often means small classes, extra resources, and a massive push to raise standards.

It could even mean you magically because no-one else is stepping up, given all the annoying hyper-ambitious types have gone elsewhere get strongarmed in to be the token pushy parent, lead person on the PTA, parent governor 'with special responsibility for SEN' etc- none of which goes amiss if you have the energy

[MeirAya]

eg

[MattDillonsPants]

My DD was at a small, non selevtive prep for the first four years of education and it was very inclusive.

[Meeep]

I would hope to send my DC to the school closest to us. There are are no doubt exceptions, but in general I have heard from other parents that private schools are not as accommodating for SEN children.
Being in special measures doesn't necessarily mean anything is too awful these days either!
So visit it with an open mind and see what you think, is my recommendation.

[Youarenotkiddingme]

They can all be good. It's the school itself and it's ethis and understanding that makes it good - not the Ofsted report or the type of school.

Visit them all as suggested an imagine your DS there. Write your list of questions about things that will be important for DS to help him manage. I have learnt to try and avoid asking direct questions about what they'll do for my DS but rather generic questions on visits about how support looks in the school. For example "what facilities and reasonable adjustments do you make for sh lifted with social communication difficulties during unstructured times such as break?"
Their answer will inform you about what their knowledge is and ability to meet his needs. Eg - if they say they have a lunch club run by a TA and explain how it's run you know they are likely to have a good set up already and already has an awareness.