Mainstream Special School for Autism

@Foxesandsquirrels this is exactly the advice I need. THANK YOU.

Thank you so very much to those just above. So helpful.

Name changed as I don't want everyone knowing where I live.
I'm in Sutton with a very similar DD ( though we still have a couple of years). Limpsfield Grange would be my first choice though the distance worries me ( and getting in). The school Senco says most children like her go to either Oaks Park or Glenthorne base, but they are within huge schools. The other thing I hadn't realised is 90% of intake is boys.

From what i gather- Limpsfield Grange is truly unique. It's shocking given how common autism is to find the lack of support.

You need to get through the EHCP process and if LG is what you want, that's what you fight for. Your DD will be a transfer appeal if that's where it goes, so she'll have priority in the next summer SEND panels. Try to go on IPSEA and educate yourself on the process, the more you do, the better the outcome. Parental preference is written within the law, you have a good chance at appeal if that's the only place that could meet her needs. Your location is irrelevant.
I would also look at Burlington House. Yes it's SPLD but a fair number of HF autistic kids or ones without any diagnosis but that just can't manage in mainstream. Some of them are incredibly bright and get 9s in their GCSEs.

I can't find the school I was looking at in West Sussex now. I think it was on the border with Kent?

If you ask to join EHCP experiences Surrey, you can ask about all of the Surrey and neighbouring county schools on there. But answer all the admin questions.

I have a son in specialist school in Surrey sitting 8 gcses that runs like a normal private school. Shame it doesn't exist for girls. If you could get to Haslemere, there is a mainstream private I'm looking at for my dd if you want to dm me.

@StainlessSeal a parent I know who loves in Croydon Borough sends their very bright austistic DS to Riverston in SE12. This is a co-ed non-selective independent with the Autism Accreditation mark. I am not sure if this is paid for by the parents or funded via the ECHP, or whether the location would be manageable for you. The parent is delighted with the support as well as the academic push her DS gets.

Good luck in your search, it sounds like you’ve got the fight in you to provide DD with the support she needs.
My DS has ASD but would not like to be in an ASD school. He attends a dyslexia specialist school and that caters for his needs very well. You need to find what’s right for your DD.

Catchment doesn’t matter if you have an EHCP. How far along are you? Are you appealing the current provision? If so choose LG and stick to your guns.

I'm not in London but there is a huge gap in provision for this group of children. And the other "not fine in school" kids (anxiety etc)

There is an ASD specialist school in Mitcham. Ive no idea what it's like or whether it is co-ed, but i have seen it when i go past it on the bus. Might be worth further research?

Yes we have. The difficulty we have is that she is academically incredibly able; social skills, skills of independence and managing the hustle and bustle of main stream school is the problem. She's currently in a nurturing primary school, but they aren't able to meet her needs. She really needs somewhere that understands Autism.

I think you are completely right to think this. The default opinion for bright ASD is MS with support or independent schools but there is such a dirth of ASD understanding there - it's not just about small classes.

Our children deserve to be educated in a ND way with ND peers so they can belong to a community of like minded and supportive people. My son goes to an ASD secondary (nowhere near you!) and he is finally thriving. His sensory needs are met properly for the first time, social communication support and mental health support is woven into the fabric of the school. The staff are 100% ASD trained - many are autistic themselves. He has friends who are the same as him - everything a teen needs. Keep pushing for what you know is right.

Other than Limpsfield Grange you will struggle to find a similar single sex SS that is suitable, but it can still be named even though you are out of area.

You could also look at include Wemms and Unsted Park, but they are co-ed.

Have you looked at mainstream independent schools that near you? Perhaps look at ones that are not selective as they may be less pressured.

There are other mixed sex sex options in Sussex, West Sussex. I will have a look at my notes for you

If your thinking of undershaw then Hurst lodge might be worth a look.

Undershaw will only take bright kids no more than two years behind. But it's very small.

It is, but extremely over subscribed. If you was over Surrey way there are co ed options. But possibly too far out for you. I