Choosing a school

[Adopter88]

My 5 year old daughter is just about to finish two years at a local state primary. She is adopted and the youngest in the class. It has been very hard to get the school to see that she has been anxious and to help. The large class size and big playground with 215 kids and a few adults has been the cause of her fears. We want to drop her down a year and move her to private school in September in or near Bath. Does anyone have any advice on choosing a supportive school or schooling generally in this situation? It would be very welcome.

The only thing I would say, is that don't rule out other state schools because your current one isn't working.

Go and see some other state schools too and talk with the HT and the SENCO/Pastoral lead about your DD. You may find another school has a very different approach.

The private school may have smaller class sizes, but may not be so experienced with children from difficult backgrounds.

There are a couple of recent threads looking at school choices etc pre-placement but the information might be useful to you too. I’ve found schools very reluctant to keep children back a year - much more likely to work with you to keep the child at their current stage with additional support. I had my doubts about this approach for my DD but actually it’s been very good for her.

Thank you both. I will try and find those threads.

I am a school governor (as well as prospective adopter!),. My school has lots of experience with children with additional needs, and is starting further training on attachment etc in Sept.

Agree with PP, try and find a good state school if you can.

Remember, in a private school you would also be expected to pay for any additional requirements - nothing is 'included' in the standard fee.

I agree with a pp. try other state schools. There are all different sizes and ethos's.
Don't worry about the ofsted reports, go and look around and you'll get a feel for the place as soon as you walk in.

Thank you very much for your responses. The problem has been that the state school she has been in now had a good feel about it and has really let us down. If anyone can recommend one in or near Bath that has experience and is good with adopted kids’ needs that would be great.

Thank you very much for your responses. The problem has been that the state school she has been in now had a good feel about it and has really let us down. If anyone can recommend one in or near Bath that has experience and is good with adopted kids’ needs that would be great.

I’m an adopter and I work in private schools. They would be more than happy for you to repeat a year however, most are not very SEN friendly and frankly aren’t interested in children with difficulty histories and/or behaviours.
Everything in most private schools is an extra and most classes though small do not have a full time TA. In comparison, my son goes to a state school, 30 kids in his class with 2 TA’s in there the whole time.
Are they great with adopted children? No, I don’t believe they are but we plug the gaps at home and gently but persistently bang the drum to get his needs met in school.