Child struggled - Secondary school near Bromley

[Sallyssss]

My son is in year 5. He has a severe stammer and is struggling academically. He was assessed for learning difficulties, but he managed to get the lowest scores within the average range - particularly processing. I am looking for secondary schools and I'm completely freaking out as to where to send him, as he is struggling to keep up in his class.

We can afford an independent school, but I am not sure where/which one would work for him? Small classrooms with a lot of support.

Can anyone help? Both with schools or/and advice regarding his learning profile.

Thank you so much

An independent school may not necessarily be the best setting to support/nurture your Ds. Some are excellent at pastoral care - others can try and 'manage out' Dc who need extra support.

If your Ds is already struggling in Yr5, then you are absolutely right to be thinking about next steps.

I'm not Bromley (but I am in one of the neighbouring boroughs) so I'm afraid I can't give you advice/info about specific schools.

It sounds like your Ds would benefit from an EHCP assessment. Has anyone mentioned this to you? What does the school Senco say? If the school aren't supportive, you can request one yourself. This is what I did. Some good info here:

www.ipsea.org.uk/ehc-needs-assessments

An EHCP assessment will/should identify your Ds's needs/barriers to learning. If your Ds has an EHCP then you will have much more choice as to secondary school - out of borough or independent are possibilities. (Although certain caveats can apply.)

You could look at Bromley Independent Grammar (formerly Wickham Court Senior School). It's in the same group as Sackville in Hildenborough, which has a lot of SEN DC.

I agree with toomanyminifigs, apply for an EHCNA.

Yes definitely apply for an EHCNA, and if the LA refuses, appeal. Some LAs refuse as a matter of course and then cave in when parents appeal.

The majority of parents (around 90%) win their appeals.