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.

@user1492978972

My son is not at Whatley - he’s ended up at Brookways which has been excellent for him.

I know some children happy at Whatley but I’m not well disposed to them after my experience with their sub-par SENCO.

@Merryoldgoat thank you. I know they have a new head teacher now and he is not the most approachable person and not very kind either.

Have you looked at Brookways? It’s not perfect but a warmer feel. It’s tricky for kids like mine - totally capable of meeting mainstream academic level (some of the highest SATS in his school at Y6) but absolutely incapable of coping in mainstream chaos.

He is transformed - I’d never have believed it possible but I have to hand it to Brookways - they know how to engage the children

Thank you @Merryoldgoat . What a lovely outcome for your son.
We have now been offered a place at a school called TCES in North West London.
We have tried to consult with Brookways School in the past but they only take from Year 5 and our son is currently on Year 4 so we couldn't do anything at the time.

@user1492978972 oh I hope that all goes well for you and your family.

My younger son has just had a placement approved for wholly specialist provision too. I feel constantly anxious at the moment.

Always so much to worry about.