Hi. DS is currently Y4 in mainstream in England with ASC and an EHCP in place. Non dedicated TA support in class. He is working at above average academic levels in everything apart from writing and requires support with non academic issues which affect his access to learning. He is not 100% mind blind and could probably cope with a commute to school.
We're going to see the long list of secondary schools this autumn at the start of Y5 and then just see our favourite 2-3 at the start of Y6 to avoid a scramble. So we have lots of time to ponder/panic!
What thoughts do you have on our options?
#1 - Our local comp is fairly well regarded and we live close enough to qualify for a place under the standard system. If it weren't for the ASC it would be our obvious local option as it's just a 5 minute walk! Facilities good/new and direct/controlled access to playing fields. Results slightly below national average but lots of bright children we know have gone there and done well. No 6th form. Co-ed. A friend's DC is very similar to DS and they haven't got on particularly well - she's had to get to know all of her child's teachers and get their contact details to advocate for her son lesson by lesson. That information for me is a red flag - I've had too much of this at primary with only 1 class teacher per year..... Staff turnover also seems high. Am I being too negative on the basis of one friend's experience? Others with non SEN kids are happy. What should I ask/find out to get to the bottom of this?
#2 - Comp further from home - probably 20-25 minutes by bus. Co-ed but higher % of boys on roll than girls. Specialist ASC unit supporting kids to attend mainstream lessons, although DS would probably not want to be different/in the unit. So all teachers have good experience of ASC and get good outcomes via high expectations. Friends kids have been very well supported with a good combination of routine and flexibility (eg opting out of PE etc). Good/new building but the playground is very urban and not at all green. No 6th form. Playing field access off site. General school results are below national average and there can be disruption in class from children not so engaged with their learning.
#3 - Another local comp - a bus ride 25-30 mins away. Co-ed. Above average results and lovely looking/green site. No 6th form or specialist ASC provision and very few SEN kids according to DfE figures. I know very little about the school, but a local mum has chosen it for her child, so I'm interested to find out more.
#4 - Academy - single sex boys school. About 25 mins easy ride by train. Our next door neighbour's sons go there and they love it - particularly the behaviour policy - the policy worries me as DS is unlikely to be able to comply and problems might spiral. I don't know much about the school so would be interested to look, but a friend told me she met the person who previously worked there as SENCO, who wasn't totally glowing about the levels of SEN Support there.... but has a 6th form so would avoid a transition for post 16.
#5 - Grammar school - 45 mins by train & bus, which is a lot.... Very selective but the entrance exam would play to DS' strengths. Co-ed. Those with an EHCP are given extra time in the exam and possibly a quiet room. I've heard the SENCO has an aspie child and I talked to another mum (ASC son was out of primary for 2 years and had 1-2-1 for remaining time) whose son is there and thriving - excellent individualised pastoral care. Facilities and maths/science focus of school good. Free access to playing field makes playground feel nice/green/open. has a 6th form. Results unbelievably good due to selection. High expected standards for behaviour but I don't think they run a formal "behaviour plan". But can live with the expectations/compeition and would he be bothered to sit the exam?
#6 & #7 - Another couple of options with ASC specialisms but the transport routes aren't great and I don't know a lot about them yet. Only 1 has a 6th form. We will try to visit to find out more.....
If you are still reading - well done!
I probably would prefer co-ed and a school with a 6th form to avoid another transition at 16, but what do you think? what should we ask/investigate to help narrow this down?
Thanks!
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SN children
Your thoughts on our secondary school options please.... what do I need to consider?
tartanterror · 10/07/2018 22:42
Homework was a complete nightmare for us. Fortunately our son went to a fantastic secondary school where they had a homework club at lunchtime with support available to help and he did all his homework there.
They had what they called an "Enhanced Learning Base", a quiet, calm environment where students who needed extra help were withdrawn from their normal classes, and worked in small groups or 1:1 on basic skills, or whatever else they needed to do. The students were also allowed to go in there at lunchtime to do quiet activities if it was too overwhelming for them to go outside.
Communication was excellent right from the off. If the person I needed to speak to wasn't available, they always rang back the same day. Bear this in mind when you ring up to make appointments to visit. If they don't return calls or take ages to get back to you, I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole. If they show this lack of interest in prospective students, what are they like with the students they already have? 
In my experience, you know when you have found the right place, usually within minutes of walking into the building. Good luck OP.
Wow Ellie that’s some commute 
It’s 45-50 mins by train and bus each way. I did a single bus journey of that length for my school commute. It was ok ..... but you make a good point .... for the right school it could be worth it .....
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