Merton/Kingston/Sutton High Schools

[Merryoldgoat]

My son has ASD and is in Y5 managing fine in mainstream school with the odd wobble.

I have friends with children at various high schools in the area and they all sound like prisons.

Detentions for the incorrect socks
Detentions for a logo on a coat
Won’t allow you to drop forgotten items
Ridiculously strict ‘look’ policies

My son won’t cope somewhere like this. I’ve discounted Harris Wimbledon and Glenthorne but not sure about others.

I just can’t cope with constant melodies because he’s so anxious so any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry - accidentally posted in wrong section. I’ll get it moved.

We found the stricter rules actually help my son’s anxiety. He knows what the rules are and that they are applied fairly to everyone. He doesn’t have to get bogged down worrying that so and so is wearing the wrong thing and hasn’t been told off. When rules are inconsistent or unclear it makes him fixate on what others are doing.

With dropping forgotten items. I drop off all the time. They allow you to drop off at our school but they won’t track the student down, it’s the student’s responsibility to go to the student office to see if it’s been handed in.

With organisation and ASD they have worked with my daughter but Dr to ensure she doesn’t forget things. She now leaves all books in school, spare PE kit and spare pencil case in locker. A TA will help her pack her bag with the right books each morning. They also ensure homework can be completed in school.

Don’t discount based on written policies, speak to the schools and see what they can do to help.

We have definitely found the combination of clear rules but flexible to accommodate specific needs has worked well. I have one who left year 11 last year with ASD. One in year 9 and my daughter in year 7 with ASD.

We have definitely found the combination of clear rules but flexible to accommodate specific needs has worked well. I have one who left year 11 last year with ASD. One in year 9 and my daughter in year 7 with ASD.

This is definitely what I’m looking for.

I’ve heard good thing about Raynes Park High for pastoral care but haven’t been myself. Some parents with ASD kids I know chose it over on paper better schools and have been happy.

Thank you @Thesoundofmusic23

We live quite close to there (one easy bus) so it’s on the list to look.

i was going to suggest Raynes Park too - it has a specialist ASD unit - you wont have access to the unit without an EHCP but it is a school that is used to ASD kids around as many from the untit spend time in mainstream too.

It is more of a community schools than some of the exam factory academies in the area.

My son does have an EHCP so we’re fortunate in that regard.

I also saw Melrose has a new secondary campus at Whatley Road so I’ll look there too.

it’s a fine line as he’s very bright and capable of excelling academically, but won’t in the right environment. I’m also nervous about him losing his friendship group but it is what it is.

TKA is supposed to be brilliant, another school with an ASD unit so lots of kids around with those needs.

@FlamingoSocks

i think that might be a little bit far but I’ll check - if it’s near the station it could be doable.

@FlamingoSocks sorry to jump in! What school is TKA? Thank you!

@Merryoldgoat did you find the school for you? We are moving in the area in the summer and will need to find a school for my son that will be then in year 8th :). Thank you!

@Slubulino The Kingston Academy x

@Slubulino We have a place at Brookways that were very happy with.

My first choice which was Whatley Campus of Melbury said they couldn’t meet needs. I think I’s have won at tribunal as LA agreed it could but school dug in after piss poor assessment. But I’m not begging a school to have him when we have options which are as good.

Brookways is Section 41 independent so LA have named and he really enjoyed it his trial.

The bases at the mainstream schools RP, Glenthorne etc are horrid and run in the same prison-camp style. I cannot subject my son to that.

Where are you thinking for your DC?

I am glad to hear is going well. We only move
in the summer so it depends what school has space for us in year 8th. 😅

I am interested to hear more about Whatley campus please? I can't find any information about it.

@BBower

https://www.melbury.merton.sch.uk/Whatley-Campus/Whatley-Campus-Info/

My experience has slightly soured my opinion but I know some children who are very happy there.

Thanks - yes I have been on the website - but I can't seem to find anyone with experience of the school and feedback - good or bad.

@BBower what is it you want to know? It’s still quite new and only around 80 pupils.

It’s got lots of great facilities but the teachers seem a bit unengaged at times I hear.

I found the SENCO unhelpful but two friends have children there who seem happy. They only started in September though.

It’s not the ‘warmest’ school. The head is a bit patronising but that’s based on one tour so not necessarily an accurate impression.

I think the best thing is to go have a look.

Have you considered Richard Challenor?

thanks that is helpful - we are merton going into yr 7 - many challenges but academically able so worried on that side of things.

@BBower

Have you got an EHCP? What type of school is named? Good coordinator at the council? Fran Turko at MIASS was helpful talking through the various options in borough and in neighbouring boroughs too.

I was very disappointed not getting Whatley but the treatment afterwards made me concerned for the actual leadership so maybe a blessing in disguise.

yes securing one at the moment - so exploring options and they are looking at Whatley campus. Thanks very helpful.

@Slubulinowe are thinking of moving to the area close to The Kingston Academy. I would love to know how you got on with your move and the process of finding a school place for your child.

Hello there! We ended up in East Sheen and we are very happy with the move. My kid started in the state school close by and is going very well. Good luck with the move! I am sure is going to be good!

Hello @Merryoldgoat @BBower following the thread discussion I am also very curious to hear about Melbury School Whatley Campus.