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Primary education

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Caught in a dilemma--who knows anything about the Fox Primary School in Notting Hill?

5 replies

GlitterPunk · 15/06/2012 11:47

We've Moved from NW8 to W2 recently.

We have a DS who is 3 and while verbal, has a statement for special needs for Autism. We're under the impression that he is high functioning because he isn't disruptive, and can follow directions/is verbal does not seem to have disruptive sensory needs. He was awarded a 1 to 1 who helps him to go from one activity to another, but he does everything else himself. He is still quite quiet and only speaks when he really wants to. To most people he just seems shy. He see's a speech and language therapist through the NHS once a week, and privately has several tutors who give him lessons. So far he is hitting all of his milestones on time and is progressing nicely. We hope his improvement continues.

His name was down for a few schools from Birth, most of them in the NW8 area, before we ever encountered the word 'Autism'.

Now we hadn't planned on changing his school plans, once we had a confirmed diagnosis for our son we told our choice schools (our first choice is still a school in NW8, the school has experience with ASD and seem to be quite understanding of my son's needs). However, we've met neighbors who also have a DS with ASD and they find the Fox Primary School fantastic. I live .3 miles away from the school itself.

What are my chances of getting in? How good is it really? What should I expect when comparing it to a school like Arnold House?

I never expected us to live in NHG so didn't put his name down for Wetherbys, but I have spoken to Cheapstow House and am told they aren't quite full yet.

...I am also liking the sound of the fee's to be paid at the Fox Primary School--it's FREE! (I didn't know anything in London could be free).

OP posts:
bamboostalks · 15/06/2012 11:50

With a statement, admission is automatic really. They could try to refuse, (probably will not though) and then they would lose on appeal.

Do those private schools know your son is statemented for autism?

Well done on such an early diagnosis and statement.

GlitterPunk · 15/06/2012 12:27

yes, we made sure all the private schools knew he was given a dx and then let them know he has a statement. we did take his name off of the list at the hall specifically because they didn't seem interested in children with SEN generally. Same with SJW pre prep who were willing to keep him on their list as long as we knew that we were realistic with our expectations of our son at the school. ..whatever that means really.

OP posts:
kla73 · 15/06/2012 13:09

I know very little about SN and even less about the schools mentioned. But I wondered if you have considered if there might be any additional financial considerations re private schools and having 1:1 support. If in a state school with a statement his 1:1 should be funded for whatever his statement says he should have. In a private school a 1:1 will probably not be funded by the state and you may need to pay extra for this. As I say I don't really know enough about it but worth thinking about.

With a statement my understanding is that you can more or less choose the state school you want and get in.

Frontpaw · 15/06/2012 13:11

I am waving furiously, because we are neighbours!! Will pm you.

Frontpaw · 15/06/2012 13:21

I can't PM you, why can't I PM you??

I need to run, but pls google the name of the school that Gordon Brown sent his boy to. It is near Millbank and someone I know sent her boy there too (he has asbergers and went to another school that felt they couldnt support him). We had a kid with asbergers in DSs class but they also moved him (after paying for a class support assistant privately) to another school that would be better for him).

Wetherby is impossible to get into, so are others of the 'uniform' ones around there (bloody Notting Hill - the film! The area is so trendy and full of Very Rich Folks, the waiting lists are as long as your arn, but then, do you really want to do the school run with SuperModels?).

Fox has a good rep, but not sure what support is like there. St Mary Abbots is good too (not sure if you are related to the Queen or God, but its worth a try). Davie Cameron sent Nany there.

I'll have a think... Maybe look at St Peters Nursery (a nice little 'local' nursery attached to the big 'Orange Church' on Ken Park Road) for starters. Its slap bang on Portobello Rd and goes up to 5, so will give you time to consider your next step. Also St Nicholas (private) on 'toher side of park (just 10 mns on the 52/452 from N'Hill), or a 30 min stroll through Ken Gardens (it has a 3 acre garden behind the school which is a blessing in central london).

Really gotta go or there will be no dinner tonight. PM if you want more info from an 'insider'.

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