Northease Manor School

[Gemma2020]

Last summer we looked at a few Kent and East Sussex schools for our DS (aged 10). We were ahead of ourselves at the time as it turned out as our house sale fell through and it delayed things. At the time our firm favourite was Northease Manor School, we liked the staff and felt it would be a good fit. Our move to the area is back on track now and I’ve gone back to the school to discover the relatively new HT left at Christmas and there seems to be a staff retention problems. It seems like it’s in a state of flux or am I over-thinking it? Would those in the know recommend Northease or does anyone have any recommendation for other similar schools in Kent/Sussex?

Hello. I am a Northease parent and have been for some years. I do recommend the school wholeheartedly, depending on your child’s needs. There are very few schools which specialise in autism and ADHD. Without Northease my child would have slipped down a gap between mainstream and the type of special school catering for severely disabled children, neither of which were appropriate.

You are correct that there has been and continues to be a high staff turnover. There have also been a number of headteachers in a relatively short period of time. However my child has not been disadvantaged by these changes and has continued to receive a good education and fabulous pastoral care.

Maybe go and have another look and see how you feel? Good luck and I hope you find the best setting for your child.

@CatkinToadflax I am visiting Northease next week and would really like to speak direct to some parents. Is there a good way to reach out?

My key question is how children settle in when they are in a pattern of severe school refusal.

Hi @waterrat , I suggest asking Northease’s Main Office team. They’ll be able to tell you how they help and support students with a history of school refusal - I know the school has quite a bit of experience with this. I think they’ll also be able to put you in contact with some current parents. Good luck and hope you enjoy your visit. It’s a fabulous school.

If you have no luck with talking to other parents then I’d be happy to - let me know - however my child hasn’t been a school refuser and is older, so other parents may be of more use than I am.