Primary school for a child with high functioning autism

[desertrosefirefly]

I would really appreciate any information about Primary Schools in North Surrey. We are trying to find a place for our Year 2 child. We need a caring school that have understanding and patience for a child with high functioning autism. His behaviour is fine, apart from some calling out and not understanding when he should stop talking, but he needs extra help with communication and writing. Cobham is not an option. We have tried the Royal Kent in Oxshott, but no vacancy and a waiting list. Thank you in advance for any information.

[mummytime]

Are you looking at State, Independent or Special?

[desertrosefirefly]

Sorry, I meant to say state schools. I think he would benefit from staying in a mainstream school with extra support where needed.

[mummytime]

I assume he doesn't have a statement or one of the new plans.
Have you put him on the waiting list for Royal Kent? (Your place on the list depends on the admissions criteria, not when you applied.)
Have you looked at the other Cobham schools (I assume you are ruling out the free school).

You might do better on the local board and/or asking MN to edit the title so people know the area you are looking. The SN boards might help too, some people there rarely venture out.

[desertrosefirefly]

No statement. In the area we live the GP referral will only go further if it is severe to moderate autism, because he is doing well in school except for his communication and English they will not take it further. We were advised to take further with the school, but they would not take it further either. After 5 minutes of a teacher being very angry about our son's eccentric behaviour, I was told in the same conversation that it had got better and a home problem when asked for them to look into. We put his name on the waiting list for the free school a long time ago. Thank you for the advice.

[beautifulgirls]

Statements are not based upon diagnosis but should be based upon need. It sounds like you are being fed the standard local authority lines about him not being bad enough for a statement, and not supported then by the school either. Statements have been replaced now by EHCP plans but are basically the same sort of thing. If you believe your child needs more help than the school can provide without a statement/EHCP then you can apply yourself to the local authority for him to be assessed. It is quite possible however that they will turn you down at that point and see if you push further and appeal. Clearly you are unhappy with the provision and attitude where he is currently so it sounds like you may need to push for an EHCP to be put in place. From my own experience DD coped until year 3 with support in school then fell apart as expectations grew, so be aware that it is possible things will get harder rather than better as he grows up. In her case we were able to move her elsewhere but it took appealing at every stage of the process and a tribunal hearing.

Please do come over to the Special needs children board as there is a huge amount of support there for these processes and how to get through it. There is a huge amount of mis-information and negative talk from schools and local authorities about getting statements/EHCP put in place. If I had listened to them from the outset my daughter would still be stuck where she was instead of being settled and well supported.

[desertrosefirefly]

Thank you beautifulgirls. I really appreciate your advice. I cannot believe how parents are treated and how the finger of blame is pointed, with no support, no education or understanding on the matter. I think it is such a difficult situation to come to terms with, without it being made much more difficult than it needs to be, when all we want is the best for our children. Thank you for your kind words at a time of immense stress.

[sherisfat]

I would contact the following organisation:

www.ipsea.org.uk

They can give you good advice on schools and the rules with respect to children with special needs

[Vikingbiker]

Can you afford your own ed psych assessment. You can film any evidence to support a statement.

[springrain]

Have you tried Eastwick in Bookham, or St Lawrence if Effingham. Both are well regarded by local parents and should have relevant experience. I would suggest you take a good look at St Lawrence irrespective of its OFSTED as this does not do it justice - the changes made by the new Head have not yet had a chance to impact results and in a years time you are likely to see a very different assessment.

[springrain]

I have just PM'd you some more info in case it is helpful. Good luck.

[desertrosefirefly]

Thank you for all the advise. We have found a school that is suitable and I appreciate all the help.