Recommendations for Secondary Schools in London which support Speech and Language Difficulties

[Margot87]

Hello,

I just wondered if anyone who has a child with SEN specifically speech and language issues could recommend a secondary school in London? We are looking at schools which are specialist but so far not found anything which really supports SALT. Mainstream not suitable at all but be good to find a school with an even demographic mix for moderate difficulties. At the moment our daughter class has mostly boys. She is social and needs a peer group.

We accept travel may be required as we are in South London.

It's tricky. I was going to suggest More House, but their website says mainly boys. Thomas Tallis in Greenwich Borough has a unit for language impairment and ASD.

Does she have a specific language disorder rather than more wider learning needs?

Blossom house

It seems to be the case that most of these schools have a higher % of boys than girls. My child's primary issue is SALT and she has learning difficulties as a result so she needs a supported environment and definitely not mainstream. Haven't heard of the Greenwich School but will check it out. Blossom house was on my list but haven't been able to get any parent feedback on it as yet.

Does your DD have an EHCP? What sort of primary setting is she in? What year is she in? If she has an EHCP what does it say in Section F about the SALT support she should be getting?

In order to get into a special provision unit attached to a mainstream secondary a DC will usually need an EHCP - or be working towards one.
Even in a unit though, be aware that your DD will be expected to attend almost all mainstream lessons - with support though.

Have a look at Plumstead Manor. They have a unit for DC with moderate learning difficulties. Also check out the Riverston School in Eltham. This is a private school but if she has an EHCP, I do know of DC there where the fees are paid for by the local authority (but usually after a tribunal!).

Yes plan in place and provision v specific re: salt etc. Never heard of Plumstead Manor but will check it out. I have heard of Riverston but i think its to mainstream but will check. Thanks

If you feel Riverston isn't appropriate then Plumstead Manor won't be suitable either as it's a mainstream secondary. Have a look at West Heath. It's a specialist school in Sevenoaks that I've heard good things about. Again, it may not be right for your DD though. Secondary provision is so difficult to find for many DC with additional needs. I feel your pain!

Thank you. Yes it really is! Unfortunately no secondary school is perfect but hopefully we will find something which at least ticks 70%. of the boxes!

I worked at Plumstead Manor about 12 years ago and it had a unit for MLD. It was a great, supportive provision at the time. I don't have any recent info on it though. Crown Woods used to have the same provision too, but not sure if they still do.

Perseid? Or is that too extreme?

A friend of mine in south London battled for a while to get St Catherine’s on the Isle of Wight for her DD as a weekly boarder. Council funded it, I think. This was over ten years ago, though.

I would rather she was at a day school however I would consider boarding when she is older. I am trying to see as many schools as possible atm as we still have a bit of time before we need to apply. However it's definitely going to be a challenge.

If you would consider moving then Alfriston School would probably tick all your boxes. All girls (I agree that most SEN schools are boy heavy), specialist SALT, and girls with moderate learning difficulties. There is an option to board three times a week.

www.alfristonschool.com/our-school/speech-language-therapy/

My brother looked at it for my niece and it blew them away. They just couldn’t make the relocation work with jobs.

This place looks great but i think distance will be a real problem.

I have a friend whose son, who has autism, was at BH and they really rated it.

Hi there,

Apologies which school is BH?

Many thanks

Does your DD have specific learning difficulties (dyslexia etc)? If so then Fairley House.

Have a look at Wemms (near Kingston).

@Margot87 sorry, Blossom House in Motspur Park.

Definitely go visit Blossom House!