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Private school

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Small prep school HFA DS 5yo

2 replies

Disappearingteatowel · 17/01/2026 18:14

Evening mums,
I know this topic has come up a fair bit before but most threads I’ve read are a few years old now so looking for some up to date wisdom!
We’re currently in Warwickshire with DS (summer baby, currently year 1, 5yo) state primary. Has an EHCP for some adjustments (visual timetables etc) but no specific 1:1. We’ve not sought a diagnosis (got to top of list then pulled him as not convinced of benefit to him at moment), but I’m of opinion that he’d be HFA, v good memory, smart cookie but lacks social boundaries (v friendly) / social skills (still lots of parallel play, wants to engage but doesn’t always go about it in right way), very happy, not really prone to meltdowns etc, pretty balanced, but with some sensory needs (doesn’t like big groups, playtime with everyone in yard can be a challenge, doesn’t do uniform as clothing is same M-S…). Reading excellent but on the comprehension / creative side of stories etc pretty low, he’s v much a non fiction kind of guy :-) Needs routine but not structure (if that makes sense!)
We always intended to go down private route and had him down for Maidwell Hall which has sadly just closed. Nowhere else locally seems to tick the relevant boxes (small, friendly, lets kids be kids, lots of outdoor time, decent level of SEN support), so we expect to have to move to find the right school. He’s not suitable for Special (too able).
So… looking for names of recommendations pls! DH likely to have to be in London couple of days a week so ideally area less than 2hr commute, but we were in London for 15yrs and prefer rural so nothing London or suburbs. Other than that, completely open to suggestions!
TIA !

OP posts:
muminherts · 17/01/2026 19:39

This was us - we moved for a school and commute! St Chris in Letchworth which is a through school and so you could do prep there and also be sorted for senior (goes up to 18). Very good at maximising potential for dc with HFA, small classes and there is now school sensory room (there’s a whole school one now and a separate prep one too). Have forrest school as a timetabled lesson and an after school club too, also tree climbing allowed on suitable trees, can pick and eat the apples up there! Let me know if more info helpful.

muminherts · 17/01/2026 19:40

Forgot to mention it is a no uniform school which makes that issue just fall away.

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