Attachment disorder what to look for in secondary school

[paddythepooch]

My friend is coming back to uk with adopted DS who has had a diagnosis of attachment disorder. She is keen to find a suitable school. Any thoughts on things/questions to ask of prospective schools? DS has already had problems at school abroad so she is v keen to get this as right as possible.

Am adoptive mum myself so understand a little. Any help appreciated.

This was looking for a primary school for a newly placed child, but might help?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/adoptions/1758852-How-do-you-approch-a-school-for-a-potential-child

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/adoptions/1774439-Wise-MN-adopters-please-help-me-choose-a-school-really-long-sorry

This is apparently very good... Dan Hughes recommends it.

www.amazon.co.uk/Inside-Hurting-Strategies-Supporting-Difficulties/dp/1903269113

Oh yes, I was just coming on to recommend Louise Bomber. Her second book, 'What about me?' is full of practical strategies for what children with attachment difficulties/ experience of trauma will need in secondary school.

I'd recommend reading the book and then visiting schools, speaking to the SENCO, and going for the one which looks most likely to implement those type of strategies.
Thinking about my principal wants for Y4 DS who has some attachment difficulties: Small enough for children to be known individually to at least someone.
Structured and clear behavioural expectations, but not rigid or ridiculous (DS absolutely needs to know what is expected, and he does not need a chaotic environment, but he also needs understanding and not, for example, to be in detention for taking his blazer off or some of the daft things you see on here!)
Experience of adopted children.
Some consideration/ provision for children who find breaks and lunchtimes hard going, for example, an inclusion area where they can go.
A kind, supportive approach.

If her DS has already had difficulties I would ask schools how they will assess his needs when he first arrives and whether they are prepared to move swiftly to putting support in place for him, or asking for a Statutory Assessment (start of the statement process). I wouldn't be thrilled with a 'wait and see' approach.

Best of luck!

My ADD1 is in year 11. She hasn't got Attachment Disorder (as far as I am aware), but appears to have some kind of specific learning difficulties (awaiting assessment).

What we have found to be key, is that the school has a very strong pastoral care system, plus an ability for us to contact teachers directly by email (and we get prompt responses).
If we hadn't had these I think DD would have really struggled both emotionally, socially and academically.