Autism schools in Gloucestershire

[HelenWJ]

My husband and I are moving back to Gloucestershire (most likely Cheltenham/Tewksbury area.) We have a ten year old son who is autistic, he's currently in a special education school with children of mixed abilities. We are looking for a school in Gloucestershire that either has a specialist unit or specializes in HFA. He has sensory issues and needs to be in quiet fairly small, environment but does well academically when the conditions are right. We have the flexibility to move to an area where his educational needs can be met, does anyone have any suggestions?

I'm not an expert but maybe have a look at Bredon school? Good luck

www.bredonschool.org/

A friend's autistic DS went to Milestones in Gloucester. They really rated it but their DS was far from high functioning.

www.aldermanknight.gloucs.sch.uk/

Again not an expert, but a friends son is very happy here

Hi HelenWJ,
Did you manage to move to the area and find a school for your son yet ?
I'm a mum of an ASD kid too and am interested to find out how you got on ?

hiya can anyone help... my 10 year old son has aspergers syndrome and is in a mainstream school but i was wondering what secondary schools are the best for kids with mild autism in Gloucester

Dollydean, the Cotswolds is best - over in Bourton on the Water, though, so a bugger of a commute, and he'll need an EHCP naming it to get in as it is very over-subscribed (great academically, and unusually, also great at pastoral care). None of them are all that, unfortunately. Too large, too underfunded, too stretched.

The grammars can be really good if he is bright and doesn't need a lot of pastoral support, as the focus is more on academics so that can afford social capital, and they tend to be pretty rigidly structured which can be helpful.

All the above has been gleaned from off the record chats with professionals in the area.

Honestly, I'm dreading that stage. DS is rising 9 so we aren't far behind you. It's a minefield.

I wouldn't consider Bredon School of an anxious child with ASD, especially a good masker. They are good for NT children and those with Dyslexia but they didn't have the skills to support my academically able, compliant and anxious child with ASD.

@sleeponeday

Dollydean, the Cotswolds is best - over in Bourton on the Water, though, so a bugger of a commute, and he'll need an EHCP naming it to get in as it is very over-subscribed (great academically, and unusually, also great at pastoral care). None of them are all that, unfortunately. Too large, too underfunded, too stretched.

The grammars can be really good if he is bright and doesn't need a lot of pastoral support, as the focus is more on academics so that can afford social capital, and they tend to be pretty rigidly structured which can be helpful.

All the above has been gleaned from off the record chats with professionals in the area.

Honestly, I'm dreading that stage. DS is rising 9 so we aren't far behind you. It's a minefield.

@sleeponeday Hi, I was just reading the thread as I'm also interested. Did you find a secondary school for your son?

Thanks

Hi @B123456.

No, sadly not. He has an EOTAS for complex needs at this point, though there is discussion around his attending Swalcliffe Park, near Banbury, which is apparently wonderful.

My younger child is so far thriving at a small local independent mainstream primary, funded by her EHCP, though. Again, it's secondary I am frightened of with her - there are 2 very good options for mainstream private, with fantastic SENDCO support, thankfully. I didn't have the evidence when my son was 9, and I posted here, for him. I learned from his EHCP process that we needed top notch SLT, OT and EP - the diagnosis is almost by the bye, in comparison. Once you can evidence the needs, you can use the law to force proper provision.

Always happy to chat through options if you would like. It really depends on the child, to such an extent, as to what works or doesn't - but there is a massive hole in provision for able kids, no question.

@sleeponeday

Hi *@B123456*.

No, sadly not. He has an EOTAS for complex needs at this point, though there is discussion around his attending Swalcliffe Park, near Banbury, which is apparently wonderful.

My younger child is so far thriving at a small local independent mainstream primary, funded by her EHCP, though. Again, it's secondary I am frightened of with her - there are 2 very good options for mainstream private, with fantastic SENDCO support, thankfully. I didn't have the evidence when my son was 9, and I posted here, for him. I learned from his EHCP process that we needed top notch SLT, OT and EP - the diagnosis is almost by the bye, in comparison. Once you can evidence the needs, you can use the law to force proper provision.

Always happy to chat through options if you would like. It really depends on the child, to such an extent, as to what works or doesn't - but there is a massive hole in provision for able kids, no question.

Thanks so much for replying. My son is in independent mainstream and doing well so far but there are some subject that he's not taking for example 'critical thinking' and they use that time for SLT. And in terms of sports, he's not sporty but he's taking part. Academically he is behind his pears though accessing the same curriculum but with full time 1-2-1 TA. He won't be able to do a test without his TA explaining each question and promoting him. But other kids love being with him and they accept him as he is, and help him when TA isn't around. I don't know what secondary school will be like, will kids be kind and acceptance of his little quirks. I also looked at swalcliffe school in Banbury and have a virtual meeting on Wednesday. What would be great is a mainstream independent with a fantastic Senco and SEN provision. Are you in Gloucestershire? x

I am - and I have a strong suspicion that my daughter and your son may be at the same school, from your description.

Swalcliffe Park is really, really good. A friend's child is there and absolutely thriving, so I am crossing fingers my son wants to go after a visit. I would definitely recommend engaging with them and exploring the idea - it's the only option for my own son.

It's easier for boys than girls in this area, sadly for my second child.