COLPAI vs Prior Weston

[MomOntheMove]

We are looking at both COLPAI and Prior Weston for an in-year move for our kids. Both schools have spaces available in the year groups we need but we can’t yet decide which to go for. One of our children has diagnosed special needs (doesn’t have an EHCP) and another suspected ND. We will be new to the area, relocating from abroad in the fall. Our residence is likely to be in the City.

From both personal and close friend experience, I’d suggest Prior Weston. They provide a much calmer and kinder school environment. They really know what they’re doing with SEND and no SEND child falls through the gaps. They have plenty of space, play areas, break-out space, soft space designed by a therapist to address physical and sensory needs, a dedicated sensory room, high staff: pupil ratio, and behavioural issues are dealt with through teaching and modelling (on the spot and follow up). The staff are well trained and versed in special needs and ND. In fact kids I know who have moved across from COLPAI are so much happier.

COLPAI don’t manage their SEND well at all and as a result kids fall behind and through the gaps. Actually, the COLPAI environment is detrimental to some SEND kids - reception is a prime example. Kids are sent all over the school to sit/ play in other classes, I’m not sure why, to make teaching life easier maybe??? It’s common knowledge year 3 boys spent large amounts of time in reception, and kids are also sent up to older classes (because they will feel shame so won’t misbehave in front of the older kids). It’s regular practice for COLPAI to have kids repeat years or join lower year groups core subjects. Their inclusion model is…different. Also, it’s very difficult to get access to the part-time SENCO in COLPAI. They operate on a priority listing rather than trying to meet all kids needs. COLPAI tells parents they don’t have the resources to meet all SEND needs so this is worth bearing in mind when deciding. If your child is needing an assessment for diagnosis, it’s nigh on impossible at COLPAI unless they are failing miserably or their behaviours are incredibly disruptive.

@MomOntheMove these responses are taken from Ofsted’s parent view for this academic year. They reset to zero each September.

This is worth a read. It unfortunately reads true to many people’s experience. Too many, sadly. I for one am glad for the summer break and to hopefully reset my kids internal compass. We will also take the opportunity to fill the gaps in learning with some holiday tutoring.

We are on the hunt for a new school…unfortunately not as easy as we thought. Have you considered any other local state primaries or just these two OP? Are private schools out of the question?

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/education/4688563-colpai-pr-vs-reality?page=1

PRIOR Weston no question. ( I work in related field)

Thanks for the feedback and DMs on your experiences. We are a musical family and love that Prior Weston has the music masters program. Our NT child is quite the sportsperson too, actually they all are!, and would do well with the Prior Weston provision. Weighing up the academics between both schools it feels like the combination of supportive environment and access to enrichment across the grades lends itself to good outcomes. On balance, it feels like Prior Weston is the one for us. Appreciate the feedback given. Thanks!

@martin213 We didn’t join COLPAI so unfortunately cannot update you with first hand experiences. Good luck with your move and school choice!