Can anyone recommend a fantastic school mainstream or special, for an autistic child with a normal IQ?

[Redbrickwall]

Basically the title says it all

Anywhere in the U.K, a secondary school whether that’s mainstream or special, that you have had good experiences of for children with autism but a normal IQ?

Our daughter is 8, has autism, selective mutism and SPD. She’s very compliant but won’t talk or look at anyone and we need to find her a school that will suit her needs. She’s academically very able. She needs significant help and support due to not speaking and the anxiety surrounding this

We are prepared to move anywhere in the U.K. to get this right.

My googling is overwhelming.

We are in the process of an EHCP.

Ideally state schools please

Thank you

Also maybe look at mainstream schools with an ASD provision.
I used to work in a school with one and it was almost a mini school within a school.

All students well within the academic capabilities of mainstream but they were supported very well.

I did a quick google and found lots: www.google.co.uk/search?&q=ASD+provision

@caringcarer

St George's, Edgbaston, Birmingham. It is a small school but has children across all ability including very able. They have a large proportion of their children with autism. All staff are trained by National Autistic Society. I used to work there and can tell you everything is focused around maximizing potential of every student. There are a large number of well trained and qualified classroom assistants. Every student has a personalised timetable. The school is very caring. I have worked in a lot of schools but this school in my opinion was the most accomodating of each child's individual needs. Although they accept students of all ability levels they get above average results. Go on to their website and take a look. You can pm if you need any more information.

Oh thank you SO much! We are very interested in Warwickshire to move to , so not too far away either.

I will PM you when the children are in bed to pick your brains further. Thank you !

Thank you, you’re all stars. Will reply properly when kids are in bed

Vanguard School in Kennington. No idea what it’s like, as it’s brand new.

There is also an outstanding school in North Wales. My friends relocated to send their daughter there.

@LadyWhistledownthe1st You don't have to contribute towards the fees of The Robert Ogden School - it is a s41 approved independent school. If named on an EHCP, the LA is responsible for the fees.

LadyWhistledown your LA must not allow you to contribute to the provision in section F and the placement named in section I.

Independent specialist Alderwasley Hall

@SENDeducation oh that’s brilliant, thank you so much for that!

@Bigbigbirfday thank you!! I wonder if the LA have purposely misled me as they felt it might put me off? Thank you for telling ne

Not so good with schools recommendations but if you have an echp and reports that state need small class sizes etc you can get MS independent funded by LA.

Have you looked at costs of a private speech report as part of the process as this would likely be a good investment. And as private schools are usually all ages it maybe that she could start a school now that she can stay at until 16/18 which could be a massive benefit to her to avoid the anxiety of changing in year 7.

@Redbrickwall Fairmead is for children with learning difficulties. They would not accept a child working at age related expectations.

In that area children at or close to age related expectations are catered for in the autism bases.

Sorry, my comment was to @lydia2021

@LadyWhistledownthe1st are you trying to say that the LA might lie? Surely not!

Tell them to consult there. If that is your parental choice, they can meet needs and offer a place, the LA must name it so long as the placement isn’t “incompatible with the effective education of others” or represents “inefficient use of public funds.”

@LadyWhistledownthe1st haha imagine that!
Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it. Often feel like I’m just slowly pushing a huge wall back only for it to slide back into place again.

Thank you reefedsail. I do not claim to be a subject expert. But as a family we have an Autistic child at Fairmead. And their teaching is superb. And our child has blossomed. I am sure there are other mumsnetters who can also suggest excellent schools for A.

I live in Cambridgeshire. A few schools have an Autism.hub which supports pupils like your daughter. Our local school, Comberton Village College, has brilliant provision for this cohort.

I feel like this thread has lifted a weight off your shoulders OP, and that's so lovely to see

@mouldyhouse101

I feel like this thread has lifted a weight off your shoulders OP, and that's so lovely to see

Thank you, you are right, I cannot explain how much it is helping me. I have been awake at night worrying about my darling girl and how she will cope. And worrying almost that her having a normal IQ is a bad thing as there would be nowhere suitable. I am so relieved and have emailed every single one of these suggestions.

Thanks a million everyone, seriously x

For “how to get the school you want” the charities IPSEA and SOSSEN are excellent for independent unbiased legal support. Very knowledge, charming and stylish staff, so I’m told.

I really do truly hope you get the outcome you all want.
You sound like an utterly fantastic parent.
Your child is so lucky to have someone like you to be such a loud voice for them.

This is our local (state) school provision for children with ASD and "normal" IQ

www.combertonvc.org/about-us/SEND/cabin

Wokingham, but can't remember the name , sorry.
The Avenue school. Tilehurst near Reading, All special needs catered for, absolutely Bloody amazing school. Over subscribed but my God it's worth the fight to get in.
Good luck.

Peterhouse school in Southport. Not LA but all the pupils are funded by LA. Probably too far away for you, but it is amazing. Over the last few years there are far more pupils without learning difficulties. Some experience of selective mutism too. Feel free to message me.

I’d second limpsfield grange.

Settlebeck School in Sedburgh (Cumbria) is a state school with a great reputation for children with autism. It has an autism unit attached to a mainstream school (which means that a high percentage of the main school are also autistic as they know staff will be understanding).

Also in South Lakeland, Cartmel Priory School is a small state secondary with a really strong pastoral ethos and a great SENCO.