Help Please- schools for ADHD in Herts

[Colneybear]

Hello
Can any one help please? My DS is currently at Beaumont in St Albans. Im not sure at all that he is getting the right support there. Are there any good schools in the area, or even further afield that you know offer good support for ADHD children. He is currently just in trouble the whole time, and they don't want to offer any SEN help as they don't think he's that bad - but actually he is really falling behind. I am even thinking of trying to get a loan to send him to a private school if all else fails - but I don't even know the right one there either. Any advice helpful thank you.

Hi OP, this is for secondary isn't it? Something that plays on my mind, my DS is 5 with a diagnosis of Aspergers. He goes to a marvellous state primary in North Herts. I have found this link...I do know that Woolgrove is highly recommended. However, Letchworth is a distance for travelling. If you join a local ASD/ADHD support group on Facebook (if you have an account), it's usually a really helpful resource for speaking directly to parents with same issues you are experiencing. Good luck!

www.schoolsnet.com/uk-schools/best-state-special-school/top-hertfordshire-schools/16180339/0/8/9/84.html

Thankyou for that. I think my issue is that he is probably not badly enough effected for a special school, but his current school just isn't supportive, so I'm looking for a school which has a good SENCO and where they have a good ethos. Any clues anyone has would be really helpful, thank you.

Theformidable, yes it is for secondary. It seems like the support really dwindles after they leave primary. I wish I'd realised this before he left!!

Primary or secondary? Do you have an ehcp in place?

What about highfield? They have a good reputation?

No, no EHCP- not even any kind of IEP in place for him at school which is why I am feeling so frustrated! I have no concept of how to go about getting EHCP- however I suspect he doesn't need anything a standard school cannot give - if they were so minded!

The difficulty with special schools like Batchwood Hailey Hall or St Luke's is that opportunities for GCSE are limited. They are small schools with limited resources compared to a large secondary. Unless your child has significant learning difficulties St Luke's would be inappropriate. St Luke's has excellent expertise in autism.

Special schools are like a little family and are great for social development. However specialist provision has its downsides. There are fewer options at key stage 4, less extra curricular opportunities. Sometimes behaviour can be quite extreme in a special school. EBD Children can pick up really bad behaviours. Mixing with other children with severe EBD can lead to bad influences and even criminality.

Does your son have an autism advisory teacher?

Thank you for that. I understand exactly what you are saying and his difficulties are not that bad. But he needs extra help, extra learning support and some knowledge of what ADHD is. He is not autistic. I am struggling to get him any educational help- mainly he is getting punishments. Which isn't working. Just wondering if any of the mainstream schools have really strong SEN depts - or if there is an alternative which is a kind of mix of mainstream and special school I suppose.

You can apply for an EHCP yourself OP. I really would at this stage. It's the secondary stage that worries me so much even though some way ahead for me.

Have a read of this :

www.ipsea.org.uk/what-you-need-to-know/ehc-needs-assessments/asking-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment

Thank you very much. Really useful

My DS was diagnosed with Aspergers at 2 1/2. I was told when he started nursery that I wouldn't get an EHCP so I didn't bother applying. I have since discovered that this is not true, it is a lot of hassle for the school though. Everybody I know who has applied has got it. So please don't be put off! I am about to apply even though my DS is doing well at school and I am very lucky that they are hugely supportive with excellent SEN provision. However, thinking ahead, which you must when you have a child with SEN, it's imperative I think.

Our primary school had a very helpful SEN dept. I guess I expected the Sam scrim the secondary school and that they would tell me if any problems., but no! In actual fact I have heard nothing really apart from when he is in trouble for disrupting the class etc, I am quite demoralised by their attitude of "we know best" and he doesn't need any extra help, but you have inspired me with that link. My next step is to try and get an IEP out of them and for them to get ED Psych in to inform it.

You can self refer to an EP you know? I did! Very very helpful indeed! Has your DS's school got no SEN provision at all? Because regardless, he does have needs and it's no good anybody brushing off ADHD as him being "naughty" or disruptive. Poor kid. Have a look at this link too and get yourself into a group...or ask them for help!

aadduk.org/help-support/support-groups/

They do have a senco and quite a large department, but I suspect they are stretched and only give help to the worst cases. Also there is a squeaky wheel aspect, and I have to squeak a bit more. It is difficult though as usually I work full time so can't be on their case that much. Someone else has told me the same, if they won't get in the Ed psych then I can request it myself. I would just love also to know if there are any local schools which are renowned for the quality of their SEN to see if there is an alternative, but I am not getting much response! Everyone seems to have to fight a bit in secondary it seems. Thanks for the link, I actually just joined add-Vance which is helpful too :-)

I forgot to mention ADD-Vance...they are FAB! I did an amazing course a few months ago and indeed just an email regarding the same course being repeated, there is even a Dad's only one in Boreham Wood. If you can do it, please please do...they are a huge resource, lovely people, very helpful. They definitely run them in St Albans. I wish I could be more helpful with secondary. It's so different between varying authorities. I definitely think professional advice is the way forward and I would ask for a sit down meeting with the school SENCO now. Make sure they know you are an on the ball parent who is doing everything to help your DS. Be a pest if you have to! Good luck and do update. Also, please feel free to PM me if you need to .

Silly question - is your son under a child development centre? A community paediatrian might suggest sources if help.

We have been referred to CAMHs, we have an appointment next week. Hopefully they will be able to liaise with the school a bit.

Thanks for all your advice and insight, it is much appreciated

hi i really need your help i have a 13 year old daughter which she is so behind in learning shes working from a year 2 level and finally shes just got a ehcp. im really not happy with the school she is currently in as the senco gave me her word when she started in year 7 she will work very close with her get a support teacher in but nothing. everything she promised never happened my daughter cant process information properly and struggles with learning she doesn't understand her work and has to be explained properly but still then may take afew times she suffers with really bad anxiety struggles with friendships and her emotions. i really want to find her a school with in around Hertfordshire that only has afew students in a class so she can get the one to one she needs and has a great senco so she can get the support she deserves please help