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Secondary education

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Original poster

Mainstream Special School for Autism

82 replies

StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 18:46

I appreciate the oxymoron! DD (10) has ASD. She is exceptionally bright, thought has a host of issues related to her ASD that means she's likely going to be much better in a specialist provision. We are going through the EHCP process now.

We love Limpsfield Grange, but are out of area. We have everything crossed that we can get her in, but need to look for alternatives, too. If she gets an EHCP does anyone know of ASD specialist schools commutable from South London that cater for bright ASD girls? DD really wants an all-girls provision, but I believe Limpsfield Grange is the only one.

OP posts:
gogomoto · 21/06/2023 18:51

My dd was mainstream educated with support, this is the most probable outcome if she's already 10. Requesting single sec provision is very unlikely to be accommodated - generally they name a school it will be the closest with space

Spendonsend · 21/06/2023 18:56

What is it you need from specialist? Would an independent school that wasnt specialist but small and nuturung help?

Undershaw is a special school for a ademucally able, in hindhead surrey. They take a particular profile of asd (not behaviour issues)

Foxesandsquirrels · 21/06/2023 19:16

If you have an EHCP catchment is irrelevant. How far in the process are you?

HairyMaclary · 21/06/2023 19:22

Canbury school - it’s in SW London so don’t know what the travel will be like but worth a look.

trulyunruly01 · 21/06/2023 19:29

My great nephew has just completed his GCSEs at De Stafford in Caterham Hill in their provision for students with ASD. He's been very happy there, flitting between mainstream lessons and specialist support.

Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:35

gogomoto · 21/06/2023 18:51

My dd was mainstream educated with support, this is the most probable outcome if she's already 10. Requesting single sec provision is very unlikely to be accommodated - generally they name a school it will be the closest with space

Limspfield Grange has been suggested by the Chief Ed Psych for our borough. She's deteriorated significantly over the past two years and the likelihood of her getting through Y6 with anything more that 50% attendance will be a success. She simply wont attend a mainstream secondary.

OP posts:
Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:35

HairyMaclary · 21/06/2023 19:22

Canbury school - it’s in SW London so don’t know what the travel will be like but worth a look.

Thank you, I shall take a look.

OP posts:
Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:37

Spendonsend · 21/06/2023 18:56

What is it you need from specialist? Would an independent school that wasnt specialist but small and nuturung help?

Undershaw is a special school for a ademucally able, in hindhead surrey. They take a particular profile of asd (not behaviour issues)

Yes, definitely a possibility. No behavioural issues whatsoever. More, crippling anxiety and very acute sensory needs. Any ideas gratefully received.

OP posts:
DyslexicPoster · 21/06/2023 19:37

StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 18:46

I appreciate the oxymoron! DD (10) has ASD. She is exceptionally bright, thought has a host of issues related to her ASD that means she's likely going to be much better in a specialist provision. We are going through the EHCP process now.

We love Limpsfield Grange, but are out of area. We have everything crossed that we can get her in, but need to look for alternatives, too. If she gets an EHCP does anyone know of ASD specialist schools commutable from South London that cater for bright ASD girls? DD really wants an all-girls provision, but I believe Limpsfield Grange is the only one.

It is, but extremely over subscribed. If you was over Surrey way there are co ed options. But possibly too far out for you. I

Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:39

@Spendonsend Undershaw School appears to cater for children with mild LD, which wont meed DD's needs. Thank you, though.

OP posts:
Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:40

DyslexicPoster · 21/06/2023 19:37

It is, but extremely over subscribed. If you was over Surrey way there are co ed options. But possibly too far out for you. I

Show quote history

We're Croydon borough, so depending on the school it might be feasible. Do you know of any I can add to my search list?

OP posts:
DyslexicPoster · 21/06/2023 19:40

If your thinking of undershaw then Hurst lodge might be worth a look.

Undershaw will only take bright kids no more than two years behind. But it's very small.

DyslexicPoster · 21/06/2023 19:41

There are other mixed sex sex options in Sussex, West Sussex. I will have a look at my notes for you

Trollfeet · 21/06/2023 19:41

Have you looked at mainstream independent schools that near you? Perhaps look at ones that are not selective as they may be less pressured.

ThomasWasTortured · 21/06/2023 19:44

Other than Limpsfield Grange you will struggle to find a similar single sex SS that is suitable, but it can still be named even though you are out of area.

You could also look at include Wemms and Unsted Park, but they are co-ed.

Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:45

Trollfeet · 21/06/2023 19:41

Have you looked at mainstream independent schools that near you? Perhaps look at ones that are not selective as they may be less pressured.

Yes we have. The difficulty we have is that she is academically incredibly able; social skills, skills of independence and managing the hustle and bustle of main stream school is the problem. She's currently in a nurturing primary school, but they aren't able to meet her needs. She really needs somewhere that understands Autism.

OP posts:
Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:50

ThomasWasTortured · 21/06/2023 19:44

Other than Limpsfield Grange you will struggle to find a similar single sex SS that is suitable, but it can still be named even though you are out of area.

You could also look at include Wemms and Unsted Park, but they are co-ed.

Thank you I shall look at these. Single sex is DD's preference, but we realise that a specialist ASD provision trumps that.

OP posts:
alongaround · 21/06/2023 19:51

Yes we have. The difficulty we have is that she is academically incredibly able; social skills, skills of independence and managing the hustle and bustle of main stream school is the problem. She's currently in a nurturing primary school, but they aren't able to meet her needs. She really needs somewhere that understands Autism.

I think you are completely right to think this. The default opinion for bright ASD is MS with support or independent schools but there is such a dirth of ASD understanding there - it's not just about small classes.

Our children deserve to be educated in a ND way with ND peers so they can belong to a community of like minded and supportive people. My son goes to an ASD secondary (nowhere near you!) and he is finally thriving. His sensory needs are met properly for the first time, social communication support and mental health support is woven into the fabric of the school. The staff are 100% ASD trained - many are autistic themselves. He has friends who are the same as him - everything a teen needs. Keep pushing for what you know is right.

Sunnyshoeshine · 21/06/2023 19:55

There is an ASD specialist school in Mitcham. Ive no idea what it's like or whether it is co-ed, but i have seen it when i go past it on the bus. Might be worth further research?

Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:56

@alongaround thank you so much for this message! Yes, this is exactly what it is. As bright as she is that will count for nothing when she drops out of school because she simply cannot attend. She needs and deserves a provision that understands her, and I will do everything I can to make sure she gets it.

OP posts:
Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:57

Sunnyshoeshine · 21/06/2023 19:55

There is an ASD specialist school in Mitcham. Ive no idea what it's like or whether it is co-ed, but i have seen it when i go past it on the bus. Might be worth further research?

Thank you! Will definitely investigate further.

OP posts:
Original poster
StainlessSeal · 21/06/2023 19:59

alongaround · 21/06/2023 19:51

Yes we have. The difficulty we have is that she is academically incredibly able; social skills, skills of independence and managing the hustle and bustle of main stream school is the problem. She's currently in a nurturing primary school, but they aren't able to meet her needs. She really needs somewhere that understands Autism.

I think you are completely right to think this. The default opinion for bright ASD is MS with support or independent schools but there is such a dirth of ASD understanding there - it's not just about small classes.

Our children deserve to be educated in a ND way with ND peers so they can belong to a community of like minded and supportive people. My son goes to an ASD secondary (nowhere near you!) and he is finally thriving. His sensory needs are met properly for the first time, social communication support and mental health support is woven into the fabric of the school. The staff are 100% ASD trained - many are autistic themselves. He has friends who are the same as him - everything a teen needs. Keep pushing for what you know is right.

I was initially hesitant to broach the subject of a special school with DD, and she said, "mama, I just want to go to a place with people like me".

I don't care if I have to re-mortage the house. I will find that place for her.

OP posts:
ContractQuestion · 21/06/2023 19:59

I'm not in London but there is a huge gap in provision for this group of children. And the other "not fine in school" kids (anxiety etc)

Cubsandmiel · 21/06/2023 20:02

Catchment doesn’t matter if you have an EHCP. How far along are you? Are you appealing the current provision? If so choose LG and stick to your guns.

Trollfeet · 21/06/2023 20:08

Good luck in your search, it sounds like you’ve got the fight in you to provide DD with the support she needs.
My DS has ASD but would not like to be in an ASD school. He attends a dyslexia specialist school and that caters for his needs very well. You need to find what’s right for your DD.

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