Sherborne school with good SEN support??

[nattynoo85]

Hello

We are going to be moving to Sherborne from London later this year and am worried about the main stream primary schools for my son who had recently been diagnosed with autism, he is high functioning and extremely bright, he doesn’t have an EHCP as it wasn’t necessary at his current school as they already tend to his needs.

I am hoping for some good recommendations for schools in the area for my son. I have been looking at Sherborne Abbey as my nephew went there but I know the head teacher has changed since and at the time he had no SEN needs.

My youngest who starts school in September has just been referred to the Paediatrician and Speech and Language in case he has autism or ADHD as he presents but in another way and he may need more support at school than my eldest. But time will only tell for him.

I am desperate for some reassurance that this move will be best for our family. For our finances, health, family support, this move will be much better but I want to make sure both my sons will be happy at school in Sherborne and have their needs met.

many thanks in advance for all your help

Hi @nattynoo85

I can't help specifically regarding SEN provision in schools I'm afraid but I live a couple of miles from Sherborne so happy to help with anything else. We use a local village school which we are very happy with. Both of the Sherborne primary schools have good reputations, and I know lots of families who are happy at both. Both schools (plus 3 other village schools) are under the same Executive Head, who is well thought of. Perhaps worth speaking to him about your specific needs?

@waddlingthroughdorset

Thank you so much for your message! So relieved my post managed to get to someone int he area! Thank you for putting my mind at ease. I have just booked an appointment to view Sherborne Abbey and will do the same for Sherborne Primary. It’s just the distance makes it so difficult to look around, I’m 4 hours away right now and with my eldest in school it’s hard to get to Sherborne on weekdays. I have just got an email of the SENCO at Sherborne Abbey so I’m going to pop them an email with my questions and hopefully get to meet them too at some point.

I don’t think it matters what school my sons are going to go to I am going to worry 😫I struggle with change myself and so does my eldest, I’m sure we are making the right move and I’m hoping it will all piece together in time.

I love the fact that the schools are smaller, I think it’s just what my son needs. I’m just worried that he is so used to the little things that are in place at his current school. For example They have a lunch club every lunchtime where children can go to get away from the noisy playground if they want. My son sometimes struggles in the busyness of the playground. They also have an explorers club during the day where he can go to discuss his worries and feelings and it helps him to express himself to others. It’s all been so good for him so this is why I worry. He hasn’t got any best friends as yet in his school so the friend issue I’m not so worried about. It’s more support from teachers and the teachers themselves as my son always likes to look to an adult for comfort or support, rather than his friends. He’s a sensitive soul x

It will be a big change for you all but it really is a lovely area to live in! We moved out of Sherborne for more space but I do miss being able to wander into town!
If you're going to have a day of school visits it could be worth visiting some of the village schools too. A very different offering to what you're used to I imagine but most are very nurturing and they do vary in size, they're not all tiny.

Hi @nattynoo85
Just wondered how you got on with school visits? Hope it went well!