Sympathetic schoold in London for 6 year old boy

[MadAboutMint]

We are moving to London in the summer with DS (6), DD1 (4) and DD2 (1).
DD1 is bright and will most likely do well in any school but DS has problems with fine motor skills (not formally diagnosed because he is so borderline) and is a sensitive gentle caring boy. Are there schools that are particularly sympathetic and nurturing to sensitive children that are otherwise bright enough to cope? A large competitive school would not work for him.
I have looked at the schools in Blackheath, Greenwich but can't get a feel for them from a distance (we are relocating from abroad).
Anything within a 45 -60 min commute door to door to Canary Wharf we can consider. Thanks.

are you going private or state?

Either, as long as it is a suitable school where he would be happy. I prefer to have my kids in the same school, so for now am not looking at SN school.

I suggest you start with The Good School Guide - read lots of reviews in their prep school section, and consider their consultancy service.

If you do not have a UK address (and are not UK military personnel returning from overseas - for whom there are special arrangements) you will not be able to apply for a state school place, and depending on your timings, may well miss the relevant applications window. So a private school seems to make sense if only for logistic reasons.

You also get more choice over private schools - although secruing places in some in the main entry years is fiercely competitive, there is a vast amount of churn (especially families moving out of London). You will need to ask every school which interests you individually about availability of places and entry criteria.

I'm in SW London, and am not sure of the travelling time to Canary Wharf. But the two schools round here which I would say could fit your "nurturing" criteria are The Roche School and the Dolphin School (the Christian one on Northcote Road).

You can live quite a way out of London to get to Canary Whalf in 1 hour. Good school guide would be my starting point, and then you need to visit.

I answered on your other thread.

If you're equally considering private or state, I'd say - from our experience & talking to others in similar positions - that private schools in London can be less accommodating & understanding with borderline SNs than state schools - for the simple reasons that (a) London private schools don't generally need to compete for pupils, so can be 'picky'; and (b) state schools see more children in a wider range, and are more aware of & ready to work with what the range can be. (Like the NHS compared to private hospitals.)

However, some private schools do make more of an effort than others - again, see the Good Schools Guide.

PS - also mentioned on my other thread, but of course there are also specialist private schools, which do make every effort! But I see you don't want to go down that route.

If you are looking in Greenwich/Blackheath, I know a few parents who have sent their lovely sons (who have minor issues AFAIK) to Colfes. Had a good feeling when I visited it for ds but too far for me.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I've been reading on the Good Schools Guide that the kids who fall in between SN and 'on par' are the hardest to find a suitable school for, be it state or private.
We have a UK address on the Isle of Dogs but during our posting in Paris have outgrown this house. Because of his sensitive nature I want to avoid enrolling in a school in that catchment area for 1 year and then move him. I'm now also looking at Crystal Palace area and Sevenoaks. The search continues...

sorry to invade your tread but it has sparked a question
I do have a London address even though I do not want (or rather an) live in such area.
Will it be better to apply stating that address, or the address abroad, or will not make any difference?

MadAM I sent you a PM we are looking for the same even if my search has come to an halt with Xmas holiday in the way and so much else going on

Have a look at Hall School Wimbledon - It's not ideal in terms of position and is a private school but it might just suit website here

I can recommend this school
Junior department is outstanding - for very bright and those with needs.

PM me if you want me to explain things in details.

If you would consider living in Claphamy area I can recommend a few schools, either of which I have looked at, or have friends there. If you want anymore details you can pm me! :)

Thomas' Preps- Though there are a few locations, still very much a 'family' school. Last I heard Kensington was definitely the smallest, it stops at 11 but you can transfer to the bigger with Clapham or Battersea which stop at 13.

Hill House- Very used to kids arriving from all corners and environments, but still a traditional family run prep. Entry is on space, and there is no entrance exam.

Northcote Lodge and Broomwood Hall. It is co-ed at Broomwood Hall till year 4, when the girls stay on and the boys go to Northcote. They used to have a catchment area in the lower school to keep it local, but I couldn't find anything on the website about it, so they might have stopped it. From what I have heard it has a good SEN provision.

Can't say I know commuting times though...