SEMH school recommendations.

[Ara19]

My daughter is currently in yr5 in an independent SEMH Independent school in London. The school has primary and secondary however I'm not sure I want her to continue over to the secondary site. She has only been there since September as is doing OK however she is academically able and I know the school do not really push for them to do gcse as such however they do the three equivalents.

I want to move out of london ideally before my daughter starts secondary. What areas provides good sen for children with ADHD, ODD.

I wanted to move to Hertfordshire however heard sen is not great in this area. What is sen like around the surrounding areas outside Herts and if a school was found and named by current LA, would Herts take it way once moved in the area.

What is Kent like for sen. Any other areas to consider.

I really would like some recommendations for semh schools who take children with a primary need of semh. Would ideally prefer independent then state. I have found so many schools that take children with ADHD but not as a primary need.

Does anyone know when the deadline is to let the sen officer know my choice of secondary.

Sorry for the long post and all the questions. It took nearly 2 years to get a school named on her EHC after it was finalised with no school name. Really don't want to go through that all again.

If you moved out of your current LA the new LA would reassess DD. Neither Herts or Kent are known for their generosity when it comes to SEN provision.

Have a look at some of the Witherslack schools, particularly Cedar House in N Yorks and Chilworth house in Oxfordshire. And some of the Priory and Cambian group schools.

Also
Wilds Lodge school - Rutland - only take girls as day pupils. Heard brilliant things.
New Forest - Hampshire - I'm unsure from your post if it's the right sort of SEMH school or if they would take with ODD.
West Heath - Kent - whether they would admit or not will depend on severity of needs.

I couldn't be certain but I think Brantwood in Sheffield offer GCSEs and would take with DD's profile. There may be another in the same trust that do too.

I will try to think of any others that may be suitable.

Thank you for responding. Unfortunately neither is our current LA great for SEN however fortunate to get the provision we have.

I have only heard of West heath and have sent the paperwork over to ve reviewed. The school sounds good on paper.

Just to clarify, if we change LA for example my daughter starts a school in Kent then we move, the new LA can pull her out. If her needs are severe enough to need a specialist provision can the LA tags her out and put her in a state one just because it's cheaper.

I will look into the other schools you have mentioned. Wilds wood house and chillern house look interesting.

Initially the new LA have to provide the provision already in the EHCP and the placement named but they will review/reassess, potentially even cease to maintain it or as you said name a different provision. Obviously you can appeal their decision. If you are going to move get as much information as possible to support an indie placement prior to moving.

See this IPSEA page.