SEN at Dorothy Stringer, Brighton. Any good?

[WantsAnHonestAnswer]

We are lucky to be in the catchment for Dorothy Stringer and Varndean. I know several parents whose children have gone to Varndean in recent years, so have got the inside track on what that is like.

However, I don't know anyone that has a child with SEN who goes to Dorothy Stringer. Is this because it is only good for children who are academically able? I'd really like to hear from anyone whose child goes there or has gone there in recent years. Are they any good with SEN? Anything I should be aware of?

Obviously, I only have a few days left to fill out the form, and I just don't know. DS is sporty, so Dorothy Stringer appeals, but not if is rubbish/not experienced with SEN. Help!! Thank you.

[Moonandstarsandback]

I don't know the answer I'm afraid as my son is only 6, but already worrying about this!
Can I ask what you've heard about Varndean?

[WantsAnHonestAnswer]

Well, mixed bag, tbh. More positive than negative overall.

One thing that has been mentioned about the school in general several times is behaviour. Teachers do crack down on it, but it seems to be more of a problem in the firts place than parents at other schools report, so it depends on how your child will deal with that.

In terms of provision, they do seem to do what they say they will, and have a good understanding of SEN and how it is about the whole child, kind of thing. Parents seem to be generally happy with Varndean. Not deliriously so, but satisfied at least!

[Moonandstarsandback]

Thanks Wants. That sounds good about understanding SEN and doing what they say they will. Not sure about the cracking down on behaviour though! As long as they are understanding individual needs and that behaviour is a form of communication and there are reasons behind most behaviours (especially in our chds case!) then I guess that's not too bad.

I do know that stringer have a TS that did transition and settling in sessions for chd with ASC, but then perhaps Varndean do to?

[WantsAnHonestAnswer]

Ah, what I mean about behaviour is about the main student population - there seems to be a lot more low and not so low level behaviour issues that the staff have to deal with. This of course, may make it not the best environment for kids with SEN - ie having to put up with being around that behaviour in the first place, and then having to deal with teachers being cross and punitive (even if it isn't directed at them).

I am a great one for 'behaviour is communication', but some teenage behaviour is just horrible, just because, and a culture where that seems to happen more does worry me a bit.

What did you mean in your second paragraph about a TS? I have also heard that summer sessions have been scrapped this year for SEN kids at Dorothy Stringer?

[Moonandstarsandback]

I meant a TA not TS. Stupid phone! I don't know about summer sessions, but I know it happened at end of year 6 this year just gone.

Thanks for explaining behaviour at Varndean. Doesn't sound great to me

Wish I could help more.

[northerngirl71]

I have a DS with mild SEN at Stringer and they are very good with her -& try and help as much as possible (within mainstream) have listened to our concerns and tried to act on them . They have referred to Camhs who are taking Forever a while to move things along . Generally positive if overworked .