Is there such a thing as bursaries/scholarships in KS1?

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DS is exceptionally gifted at maths (suspect HFA). He’s 3.5 and working through workbooks designed for KS2 through choice. He’s also able to read some easy words and writes well. (We have done absolutely nothing to encourage this.)

I’m worried about how he is going to cope at a mainstream school, particularly as the closest schools to us are all single entry village primaries. I just don’t feel that he’ll flourish.

We can’t afford private education without help. Certainly not once DD starts school as well (2 year age gap). Should I completely give up on the idea until he’s older? I’m just worried that by then, he’ll have grown bored and his talent may have been wasted.

Do you mean mainstream school, or just not private?
What makes you think private would be the best choice for an autistic child?

In general private schools are slow to accept children with additional needs, including ASD.

Even very bright ones? He’s doing division, multiplication, squares etc. He’s 3!

HV has suggested that a diagnosis might not actually benefit him and getting a referral is nigh on impossible at the moment so I very much doubt he’ll have a diagnosis before starting school anyway.

The obsession with numbers can be part of the condition, rather than a "talent" as such. It's linked to hyperlexia.
Why does the health visitor suggest a diagnosis would not be beneficial?

Basically because he’s coping fairly well currently (not that she’s the one coping with the meltdowns at home) and has no ‘delay’ to speak of. So having him labelled as SEN might be a negative, rather than a positive. I don’t know, I suspect it might just be because provision is poor so there’s not actually any point in referring him to child development.

Bursaries possibly, scholarships unlikely. Don't assume a private school will nurture his early talent though, especially if other skills are lagging.

Autism is more than just being very bright/not very bright. How does he cope socially? What are his other needs?

I have older DC and have been through lots of G&T hoops with all of them. What I have found over time is that even private schools cant keep up with gifted kids and what happens is that school becomes where they learn the subjects they are less good at and also all their social skills. In their gifted areas its best to find after school programs to engage them and develop them. Yes they might be a little bored in school, but that is up to you to sell it to them (its review, its useful practice for improving accuracy and speed, its for making friends etc)

my suggestion is American (but they take international students) and I am sure there are equivalents in the UK
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

The other key with gifted dc is to help them integrate with their peers

DS1 got a scholarship worth 95% at aged 7. He started at the Easter after his 8th birthday. I've not known any earlier.

A private school will often accelerate the class by about a year, and then stretch the brightest by up to another year. Realistically this isn't going to meet his maths needs that are years ahead. Ideally you need a supportive school who would be willing for him to do his own challenges during maths lessons. This may be easier in private, but will depend on each school's ethos, so not a given.

Writing is a bit easier to stretch. Yes the phonics teaching may be quite easy (although good to check if he understands the basics) but he can happily write a story whilst others write a sentence.

I haven't heard of much (any?) funding at 4. I think it's too hard to assess potential that reliably then. I would urge caution on private schools. If he later needs additional support for social skills etc e.g. SALT, you will probably have to pay for it. Personally I would also investigate a diagnosis when he is older, if still a concern. (You can do so now but if services are that stretched they may not accept him on the pathway now). I understand it can be helpful for young people to understand themselves.

Just to add to my post, schools will want to confirm he is confident with all areas of maths e.g. shapes & measure, giving instruction with quarter turns etc. He may be but I thought it was worth mentioning as it is a very different area.

There are private schools that offer scholarships and bursaries though typically at age 7. Where in the UK do you live? I can make recommendations for London. I'm familiar with schools that do pull out provision for able mathematicians and mix them across age groups so its definitely possible to find a school that can meet his needs.

Some schools round here do scholarships from age 7/ start of prep school. Most do bursaries at any age.

As a parent of a ds with HFA - who is well supported and thriving in a private school - I would definitely pursue a diagnosis. You don’t know what the future holds and it can help with understanding your child and accessing support if it is needed later on.