Creative / more chilled primaries Gloucestershire

[Catladyagain]

Currently dealing with a 6.5 yo son who potentially has asd with demand avoidance. It's not very pronounced but it's creating school anxiety / refusal (though he's just doing first full day back today thankfully) and bedtime anxiety issues abound. I'm newly testing out parenting as though he does have pda and while it means a very late bedtime and a different kinda life for now the drop in stress is pronounced and he got himself back in for the full school day today. So the long pre-amble is to set up my question:

Can anyone recommend any primaries in Gloucestershire that are slightly more laid back and playful in the way they communicate with the kids/ encourage creativity? I know schools have to get the kids through the government's curriculum but there are ways and means! For example, teachers at our school are very switched on but are all young and female and slightly uptight under the ruthless clarity of the head. Head is fierce & runs a very, very tight ship. Does not seem to have a rapport with the students and is definitely v hierarchical. Meanwhile another local school does not use progress charts on the walls and the head described the school as quite laid back. However their resources are very limited vs the firat school.

Strongly considering a move but need to remain in glos or surroundings as elderly parents are here. We are more creative as a couple so woualso be nice to find a parent community who are more laid back.

Thanks!

There is an independent Steiner School which is, I think, around the Stroud area.

Most state schools have rules and expectations. What is it you are looking for? You might find it in the private sector but then again you might not. If your child disturbs the class then the private fee paying parents may get a bit annoyed. If you think your ds has a special need you need to get him assessed and apply for an ehcp so he has some support.

I'm specifically looking for advice on state schools here. Child doesn't have behavioural issues but needs a bit of additional support on the social side eg how to handle playground politics and some additional learning support. I've read about Artsmark accredited schools which sound interesting.

Go and visit any local schools with spaces.

Would be interested to hear what the school is... I'm in the same area and won't be long until we're looking at primary.
I think the best bet would be to ask on a local facebook/mums group for their experiences at the local schools.
Once you've heard from other parents about their experiences hopefully you can create a shortlist and see if you can arrange visits to get your own feel.

Can you say a bit more about what a “chilled” school might look like? State schools are sadly tied to targets (thanks DofE and Ofsted) and so will be pushing a child who is behind to catch up. Are you just looking for an older teacher? Male? Turnover and crap pay means you are unlikely to find any teachers above a certain age as drop off rate is immense. Teachers and school don’t really have the ability to go off piste and relax the curriculum. Of course they can adapt and differentiate but the statutory objectives are what has to be taught. If your son has needs it’s worth speaking to the sendco.