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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Original poster

Autism - private or state

29 replies

nightlighton · 07/03/2024 19:29

My child is due to start school in September, currently they're likely going to our local state primary.
I realise it's a long way off but, from what I gather, it's when children start mainstream secondary school when challenges tend to arise. I realise it's not 'one size fits all', I am new to all of this and I currently do not know what my childs needs are.

I do not have a crystal ball but, I imagine my child would not have high enough needs for a specialist provision but they will need adjustments.

Financially we could probably just about afford private, it would be a squeeze.

I am concerned that if their needs increase as they get older that private school will not be able to continue to meet them - if not then we will be left in a difficult situation.

Currently I'm thinking go to state, see how things go, then if needed the private school is there. To be clear, the only benefit I currently see with private school is small class numbers and a small school in terms of overall numbers of students when thinking of secondary, all if which I know would be a benefit.

If anyone has any thoughts or experiences or other considerations they're able to share I would really appreciate it, thanks

(Reposting to educational>SEN as I think this is probably the right topic group)

OP posts:
Phineyj · 08/03/2024 13:28

You can but you may find (we did) that the LA are prejudiced against the private sector and also that non statutory support isn't available.

Worth discussing the experience they have with SEN, definitely.

Something I would have liked at our school is to meet with other SEN parents. This has only very occasionally happened.

Although our school was great, they had no experience at all with secondary transition for a SEN child.

MyLemonBee · 08/03/2024 13:03

If you can afford private, I'd start there. The smaller class sizes are less likely to be overwhelming. Obviously you'd need to speak with the schools first. Lots of privates, especially more academic ones, are not very used to SEN.

Also in private the teachers have more time as smaller classes, better support, so are more likely to be better at communication, feeding back on how your child is doing, any extra support they need, making adjustments to lessons for special interests etc.

If you need an EHCP you can still get one in a private school.

Phineyj · 07/03/2024 20:11

If you think your child will need an EHCP at secondary, start the process no later than year 4.

I started in year 5 and even if we win our second tribunal, the EHCP (if we win) will only just be done in time for her to start year 7.

We have switched her from private primary to secondary state because the SEN understanding is better.

Bear in mind private schools may have in their terms and conditions that they can ask you to take your child out if they can't manage their SEN or if you don't disclose SEN.

It all very much depends on the actual schools you have access to though. Even within the same category, they vary a lot.

FleurdeLiane · 07/03/2024 19:41

State, choose carefully. Look for a warm, welcoming and inclusive culture and a switched-on SENDCO you trust; ask about how are other autistic pupils supported and gauge how tailored and sensitive the response is to individual needs? Also have look into secondary options (eg. where does the primary cohort typically go to?); try and glean how well those schools handle SEND needs too (reputation in local SEND parents groups, Ofsted reports etc)?