Riverston School for ASD

[Lkt32]

I know there's a few posts about Riverston generally but just wondering if anyone has any recent experience/opinions? I looked at it for my son (6yo, ASD) but I've noticed some posts say it's not very academic and kids don't achieve much? Ifls that not academic compared to other indie mainstream? Or compared to state mainstreams? Presumably more academic than special schools?

My son is in mainstream with 1:1 atm but struggling with the classroom
He can't concentrate with 30 kids around him

He's bright and doing well academically but struggling with sensory, social and emotional needs.
He is now part time in his schools special provision and we're applying for ehcp because we and school think mainstream isn't working.

But I have concerns about his academic potential in special school/special provision.

Riverston seemed like a good in between as it's got the small class sizes and nurturing atmosphere, but mow I'm worried he wouldn't be pushed academically?

Out options are basically stay in mainstream where he is, full time in special provision at current mainstream, special provision base in other mainstream, special school or riverston.

I'm hesitant about special school as we want some integration with NT peers (as he really does learn from them)

I am afraid I would steer clear..... they may advertise as a special needs school, but fall very short of the mark in many aspects.
And when they do it is exhausting and hellish gaining any progress.

Best of luck whatever you choose!

Hi. Did your son go in the end? I had the same problem in finding a school that wasn’t specialist and wasn’t mainstream too. I also tried private schools (smaller class sizes) but hadn’t found anywhere with the right level of SEN support. I have now enrolled my daughter at Riverston, as out of options and my daughter liked her trial there. I will be on their backs to make sure they fulfil her EHCP and other needs though! Good luck with it all.