Private non selective, Kent, Sussex or Surrey borders

[SpaceRaiders]

I have Bethany as an option for Y4 DD who needs additional support for dyslexia, working memory issues and ADHD. She’s very capable but really needs a low pressure environment, she wouldn’t suit a huge school either as she’s naturally an anxious child. Obviously good pastoral care is a must and decent co-curricular and sport.

She’s down for Mayfield as her sister is there, however we’d ideally like to have a couple of other schools as options in the event she doesn’t get in. I’m hearing good things about Worth and Claremont but I’ve not been to see either. Any other schools that I should make a point to visit in the next 6 months?

Moon Hall?

Frewen college ?

Also, a friend uses Flexi-school.

https://www.flexi-schooldyslexia.co.uk/about-us

SEN School Sussex | Special Education Needs School | LVS Hassocks (lvs-hassocks.org.uk)

And also agree with PP, Moonhall

St Edmunds Canterbury might be worth a look?
Dover College is open to all.

Thank you, these are all brilliant suggestions, many of which I had never heard of.

We’re not quite at the stage where we’d consider flexi-schooling but glad to know the option exists. Dover college looks brilliant, only it’s too far.

Moonhall looks like a good option, my only reservation with a specialist dyslexic provision is that they will focus solely on DD’s ND, however the areas where DD excels in won’t be catered for. For example Dd is a keen hockey/ cricket player, therefore a school with a strong sports team would be ideal. Perhaps what we’re looking for doesn’t exist!

Bedes in Eastbourne?

I would take a look at Copthorne Prep, they have an excellent reputation for supporting additional learning needs, and they are so nurturing, you feel like you're part of the family as soon as you walk in!

My post probably wasn’t clear, I was looking for senior school options @Sjwilloughby13

And Bethany has been firmly crossed off the list after friend whose ND dc was due to join had a horrible experience.

Ah ok, for senior School I've heard that Shoreham College has strong pastoral care. Not sure if it's too far out for you. My cousin went there (30 odd years ago) and got excellent dyslexia support... no idea what it's like now.

Hello please can you elaborate on bethany experience? You can send me a private message if you rather not post

@SUSANA4100 I won’t elaborate on exactly what was said. All I will say is, they seemed taken back at the prospect of having an academically able ND child attend with an EHCP. The language used left a lot to be desired, put it that way. I suspect the issue was with the EHCP itself rather than the neurodivergence because I know a few other children with dyslexia/ADHD who already attend. In any case, this particular incident it was handled appallingly and it’s certainly not what you’d expect of a school that’s touted locally as being neurodivergent friendly!

I would tread carefully with Claremont. Glorious setting, and I know of some very happy families whose DC attend, but the school has changed over time and it is becoming more and more selective (and possibly less inclusive/welcoming for DC with SEN).

Not saying discount it - just be aware. As the parent of an ND child, I wouldn't necessarily describe Claremont as 'ND friendly'.

Worth looking at Notre Dame in Cobham, strong local reputation for pastoral care and I know of ND DDs who are thriving there.

Thank you for your reply. I read their ISI report and although just under half of the pupils have dyslexia, adhd, dyspraxia or are on the autism spectrum, only 1 children has an EHC plan. So yes it looks like they have an issue with EHC plans for whatever reason .....hmm food for thought.

In general EHCPs are not welcome at the independent schools especially if they state a certain number of 1:1 hours needs to be provided. Some local authorities will part fund those hours other don’t and you have to pay the teaching assistant yourself in addition to the fees.

Manor House in Effingham or possibly St Teresa’s in Effingham too. Claremont I really don’t think so for reasons above.

good sports teams need big schools I’m afraid you can’t have small school great at sport

sometimes you do get excellent sen support in a mainstream independent school, I found one for DS but I looked at 15+ senior schools. Some were just scared when they saw his multiple diagnosis. However I don’t think he would have got the offers without the very high CAT score and no EHCP which we made sure he didn’t have.

Thanks for this insight.

Thanks for the recommendations, keep them coming! I’ll have a busy autumn full of open days although Dd is set on Mayfield already!

@SUSANA4100 I’ll start looking at ISI reports more closely because that’s the kind of information that really tells you all you need to know!

@Taptap2 Thats good to know. From the little I know about EHCP’s it looks like it rules out the majority of mainstream indies!

Our SENCO said indies don’t like the obligations attached to them. I think we’ll steer clear of getting Dd one, certainly if it complicates that Y7 transition. Another friend’s Dc with an EHCP was refused by Mayfield, as you say the obligation for 1:1 support and annual reviews probably puts them off.