Private primary school - SEN

[sandrasam]

Hi guys
I’ve been a mumsnet lurker for years but finally joined hoping you wonderful mamas can help me decide I have a 4yr old with mild SEN needs sensory issues and speech delay (though verbal).
Q- does anyone have experience with private primary schools in bham for SEN kids?
and any helpful private school suggestions I’ve been looking at st George, EHS etc.

I would caution you to be very careful when choosing a private school for any child with SEN.

Private and Independent schools are businesses and regardless of how inclusive they may seem, their reputation is often reliant on exam results, particularly for senior school.

There will often be something in the admissions or SEN policy about reserving the right to withdraw a chind’s place if they feel that the school can’t meet the child’s needs. This decision can be made if the school feels the child will need too much support or not achieve sufficiently good exam results.

I’ve worked in both the state and prrivate school sectors and can wholeheartedly say that in my experience the state system is far more supportive of and experienced with children with SEND than private/independent schools.

My child has had similar sensory and speech difficulties, so I know how overwhelming it can be choosing the right school. I found it helpful to get a clearer understanding of their needs first, including looking at Autism Detect, as they provide assessment and guidance around neurodevelopmental needs. I’d definitely ask each school how they support sensory issues and speech delay before making a decision.