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Original poster

Merton/Kingston/Sutton High Schools

30 replies

Merryoldgoat · 25/01/2023 08:35

My son has ASD and is in Y5 managing fine in mainstream school with the odd wobble.

I have friends with children at various high schools in the area and they all sound like prisons.

Detentions for the incorrect socks
Detentions for a logo on a coat
Won’t allow you to drop forgotten items
Ridiculously strict ‘look’ policies

My son won’t cope somewhere like this. I’ve discounted Harris Wimbledon and Glenthorne but not sure about others.

I just can’t cope with constant melodies because he’s so anxious so any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 26/01/2023 21:54

Thank you @Thesoundofmusic23

We live quite close to there (one easy bus) so it’s on the list to look.

OP posts:
Thesoundofmusic23 · 26/01/2023 21:51

I’ve heard good thing about Raynes Park High for pastoral care but haven’t been myself. Some parents with ASD kids I know chose it over on paper better schools and have been happy.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 25/01/2023 10:09

We have definitely found the combination of clear rules but flexible to accommodate specific needs has worked well. I have one who left year 11 last year with ASD. One in year 9 and my daughter in year 7 with ASD.

This is definitely what I’m looking for.

OP posts:
BooksAndHooks · 25/01/2023 09:48

We found the stricter rules actually help my son’s anxiety. He knows what the rules are and that they are applied fairly to everyone. He doesn’t have to get bogged down worrying that so and so is wearing the wrong thing and hasn’t been told off. When rules are inconsistent or unclear it makes him fixate on what others are doing.

With dropping forgotten items. I drop off all the time. They allow you to drop off at our school but they won’t track the student down, it’s the student’s responsibility to go to the student office to see if it’s been handed in.

With organisation and ASD they have worked with my daughter but Dr to ensure she doesn’t forget things. She now leaves all books in school, spare PE kit and spare pencil case in locker. A TA will help her pack her bag with the right books each morning. They also ensure homework can be completed in school.

Don’t discount based on written policies, speak to the schools and see what they can do to help.

We have definitely found the combination of clear rules but flexible to accommodate specific needs has worked well. I have one who left year 11 last year with ASD. One in year 9 and my daughter in year 7 with ASD.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 25/01/2023 08:52

Sorry - accidentally posted in wrong section. I’ll get it moved.

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