Best independent school for SEN in East Sussex / Kent

[Ratbag82]

I'm trying to find a good independent school for my 8 year old DS2 with high functioning ASD In East Sussex or south west Kent. He's awaiting assessment for ADD and early indications suggest this will be diagnosed. He is bright but has some difficulty with processing so the crowded state schools locally with large class sizes have proven too much for him. He's horribly depressed, school refusing some days and begging to go to a different school so I need to take action. We want to find a good school that can be ambitious for him and has smaller class sizes to manage the processing issues and some good pastoral support. Ideally I'd love to find an excellent school for high functioning academic ASD kids but as far as I'm aware there are none locally. We're in East Sussex but could travel into south Kent also.

I've looked at Bedes and Claremont. I loved both but think Bedes has the edge in terms of extra support for his ASD. It is more expensive and we're not loaded (we'll be living off pot noodles once I've started paying fees but thats the way it seems to be for the average SEN family unfortunately) I looked at Battle Abbey, liked the secondary but felt uninspired by the prep. Had previously looked at Northease Manor for DS1 (now happily settled at Frewen) but it felt too broad for him and so I don't think it would suit DS2 either. As for state schools, we looked at Bexhill Academy during tribunal for DS1 and I wouldn't send either of my ASD kids there so won't be going back (lovely staff but the ASD unit was accessed through an extremely demanding sensory space, far too bright, far too crowded, ridiculously loud with huge high roof - would send my two over the edge!)

Are there any other independent or state schools that anyone knows in this area that might meet his needs? He's in year 4 currently but we're also factoring in secondary so would love to hear about both.

Basically he needs small class sizes, quiet, controlled and well disciplined environment, strong pastoral support, some knowledge / experience of SEN, academically ambitious and inclusive for SEN kids but not necessarily a specialist school.

Have you checked out the Priory Group? Our son went to one of their specialist FE colleges which was fantastic. Small classes, well trained staff, therapy on site and a range of courses from Entry Level to GCSE and A level.Sounds like your son needs the junior version of this.

Thanks Ellie56, I haven't heard of them but that sounds ideal. I'll certainly have a look

From a private school perspective I would look again at Claremont. Our daughter was diagnosed with ADD recently and they’ve been excellent. Bede’s suits many but it helps to be sporty and confident - I know quite a few leave within a year because they’ve found it a bit dog eat dog. Marlborough House - the jury is out. It’s had a disastrous period but now has a new head and I think things will turn around...at the moment I don’t think they’ve got the expertise on site. St Ronans is groaning under the weight of quitters from MHS and probably not a good bet. To be honest I’d go with Claremont, it’s smaller and kinder.

Bower grove Barming near Maidstone I would recommend it has just got outstanding from ofstead n lovely school

Stressful you would be better starting your own thread rather than bumping old ones.

Does DS have an EHCP? Look at some of the Priory schools, Cavendish schools, Aurora schools, Breckenbrough, Alderwasley Hall. All of the above offer some A levels either directly or in partnership with other local providers.

To start your own thread click "start your own thread in this topic" at the top of the page.

DS's EHCP with the post 16 placement should have been finalised by 31st March. Why wasn't it?

There are pupils in all of the schools I mentioned who are working at A level standard, including some who get top results and go on to respected universities. Between the schools there's a wide range of A levels on offer, what does DS want to do?

SS do admit after Y7. Several I mentioned are section 41 or NMSS and therefore even if the school objects the LA can, and must, name your preference unless they can prove on if they following:

• The setting is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs (“SEN”) of the child or young person; or
• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.

West Heath is a SEMH school, so if social communication difficulties are the primary need it would be unsuitable - and A level pupils attend local sixth form providers. If social communication difficulties are the primary need More House may not accept. There are pupils at Alderwasley Hall who achieve level 2 GCSEs and A levels. Although A level results at other SS are higher.

Even if you ask for a different placement to be named you need a plan for the meantime, because it isn't a quick process. To change the placement named you need to ask for an early review. Because of the timescales involved in amending EHCPs following reviews you are looking at a few months before an amended EHCP is finalised. That's not considering you may have to appeal, especially if you want an expensive residential indie SS.

The LA can refuse a request for an early review and there's no right of appeal. You would have to either wait for the AR or ask for a reassessment of needs. A reassessment of needs may not be a bad idea because you will need evidence if you are going to get a residential independent SS named.

Maths and physics A levels shouldn't be a problem, several ASD offer them, but computer science may be more difficult. The good news is it isn't essential for university progression, even for a computer science degree. Breckenbrough offer all 3, I think 1 may be in collaboration with a local college but that's not necessarily a problem as the school and college will have a good working relationship.

There's other Priory sixth forms e.g. Fairleigh FE college offers all 3 subjects but some A levels are via local providers. I think Gretton offer all 3 subjects (some A levels are on site and some not but I'm not sure which). Holmewood offer some A levels on site, although, again, I'm not sure which ones. At least one aurora group college offers A levels - no idea which subjects but there is a poster on MN who is looking at one for her very academically able DS so if you start a thread about it then they may be able to help you.

@stressful

Our son went to Farleigh College. It was fantastic. They do GCSEs, A levels and other Level 3 courses. Many of their students go on to university.

www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/find-a-location/farleigh-further-education-college-frome/

vimeo.com/503000964

Sorry, I didn't realise you were already part way through the process. So have you already had an early review? Have you received a draft amended plan, and if so when? When did the LA send the consultation? If you knew you wanted a different placement why didn't you appeal the finalised amended EHCP you received in March?

Farleigh is a section 41 placement so the LA can name them anyway, you don't need an offer of a place. Unless the school is wholly independent which Farleigh isn't, the LA can, and must name your preference unless they can prove one reasons I mentioned above.