Small nurturing Independent Secondary with some black children.

[JustMumma]

I am looking within 1 hr distance around Epsom. she could get transport paid for.
I know the area, so am realistic in terms of cultural mix.
MY DD has been home schooled with an EHCP, very bright but missed a lot of school due to EBSA. Academics not my focus, that will come once she feels loved and settled within a school.

Specialist not really for her, so thinking a small private school but must have some mix of black children.

need to convince LA for private... I mean they are willing to pay for specialist, which is a lot more.

Also open to any specialist nominations (she wants none that are for autism, as she did not meet criteria for this ..... although mumma knows best lol and I would say defo mildly on the spectrum, she met most of the criteria) SEMH school is not for her, although this is down as her primary need, she has selective mutism so presents as extremely shy. will speak but very quietly and needs nurturing.

I had considered:
Kingswood
Ewell Castle

thanks in advance

Sorry I don’t live in the area, one state school secondary local to us has a five form intake and is known to be nurturing - has a higher proportion of kids on pupil premium and kids with SEND - it doesn’t get stellar exam results though. My kids went there as it’s our local school. But sorry that’s no help to you!
Will the LA pay for private non specialist if the assess your DD needs SEMH specialist - I know former is cheaper but I don’t think this is their only criteria?
Good luck and well done for helping your DD to reach a point where return to school is on the horizon.

I don't know much about Ewell Castle, but I think Kingswood House might be a good match for your DD. It's a very small and nurturing school and much more diverse (pupils and teaching staff) than the population of Epsom as a whole. I think they have an open day coming up soon - have a look round and see what you think!

Thank you,

She had an episode of major Depressive disorder and ended up in CAMHs residential childrens hospital at 12rs old. I guess semh specialist seems like it fits on paper, but they tend to be very boy heavy, loud places. (Ive worked in a few and the LA said this also) She is a quiet and very well behaved child.

So tricky.

Thanks for responding, it has been a very hard journey.

Thanks Lovely, will deffo get onto the open day at Kingswood 💛

Reigate Grammar (independent despite the name)
Caterham
Guildford (academic)
Woldingham - bit of a distance but they have a train station and offer flexi boarding

Have a look at Box Hill school.

Notre dame in cobham?