Need advice on good state or private school with SEN provisions in Twickenham/Hampton or Elmbridge area

[Twickersmum2012]

My DS (age 6) has been experiencing some behavioural issues at his current pre-prep and we have received conflicting diagnoses that he is either suffering from ADHD or sensory processing issues. The Prep school he is due to start at in Sept is now telling us they won't have the provisions to cater to his needs based on his current school report - although he is academically very bright.
We are now faced with the prospect of finding an alternative school for him that is not overly pushy (ie not a hothouse) but has good academic results as well as excellent pastoral care and SEN provisions/resources.

We currently reside in Twickenham but are prepared to move to the Elmbridge area (DH commutes to Waterloo).

Would appreciate any feedback on Claremont Fan Court and St George's Weybridge and any other suggestions.

[Anthracite]

I wouldn't recommend SGC for a SEN child (having had two boys there).

[creamteas]

Unless you are in a specialist SEN private school, you are likely to be better off looking at state schools to be honest.

If you have a child within a state school they can be assessed for a Statement (changing soon to Education, Health and Care Plan) which should ensure all the resources he needs are in place.

Children with statements are admitted before other children, so you will be able to choose the best school to meet his needs.

[LePetitPrince]

Hi,
You might want to re-post in Primary or Education as most people with kids in your son's age group won't look in the secondary forum?

[wakeupandsmellthecoffee]

Pryford junior school excellent Sen . People move into the area to go here.

[HilaryM]

Agree re SGC, they declined to take a friend of mine's son who has high functioning autism and sensory processing issues. I think they prefer their pupils neurotypical.

[absolutmum]

Kingswood House in Epsom is very good for children with SEN. But that might be too far for you?

[Schmedz]

St George's very clearly informed me they would be unable to offer appropriate assistance for my DD with AS!! CFC is quite 'alternative' but whether this means they are able to offer appropriate SEN support, I couldn't say.

If you can get a statement go for it! Will give you your pick of schools to best support needs. It's a long fight to get one but worth it (and will save you a fortune in school fees)

Good luck

[Anthracite]

I. Don't think it needs double exclamation points, tpa.

[OnGoldenPond]

CFC rejected my friend's DD on the basis that they did not have the facilities to cater for her not very extreme dyslexia. So I wouldn't get my hopes up there. They were very offhand and not very welcoming.

I would agree that you are much more likely to get the help your DS needs in the state sector - all the LEA resources will be available to you which will not be in a private school.

[HisMum4now]

I am not in your area, so can't comment on specific schools. I tried a few private schools for my ADHD and ASD DS when he was in primary. Most schools replied that they could not offer all the appropriate support . One school accepted him, but after a months asked us to privately pay for the 1:1 support, which more than doubled our fees. Be aware of this if you are set to go independent.

I know many ASD children placed in independent schools via the statement by the local authorities.

I would think you are better off going into state school and getting the diagnosis and the SEN provisions right first.

[jennybeadle]

Have you looked at Stanley Primary in Teddington, it's fairly accessible from most of Twickenham? I think it would provide everything you are looking for, though I'm not sure about space in your DS year group. The new buildings are lovely, and they have lots of experience with additional needs.

[amidaiwish]

I would second Stanley. It's a fantastic school at meeting the needs of the full range of kids.