Hi all, I’m looking for help finding schools in/near Hertfordshire that can genuinely meet the needs of a very academically able autistic girl (2e). She is very bright/advanced reader, but mainstream is not working due to sensory overload, anxiety and severe EBSA - she hasn’t been in school since the end of November and this has been ongoing since the start of year 1. She’s 7 now and in year 2.
Key needs:
- calm, low-arousal environment (noise/chaos is a big trigger)
- staff who understand autistic girls / masking / demand anxiety
- gradual, relationship-based support (trusted key adult / consistent approach)
- emotionally safe culture (no shaming/forcing; we’re not ok with physical prompting/restraint as a “solution”)
- academically stretching / not assumed to be “fine” because she’s clever
We’re pursuing EHCP/alternative provision routes, but I’m trying to map realistic school options too. I’m not looking to deregister/home ed yet and I’m not looking for “try a different mainstream and it’ll be fine” unless it’s genuinely exceptional for SEND.
Can anyone recommend schools (maintained or independent) within ~45–60 mins of Hertford that fit this profile?
Also happy for “avoid” warnings. Please DM if you’d rather not post publicly.
From my search so far it seems this is very
hard to find but grateful for any suggestions!