Barnet secondaries with good SEN provision?

[CookMeDinner]

We're moving to Barnet and are starting to look at secondary schools for our two children, both of whom are likely ASD and ADHD. They're on the waiting lists for assessments and it will be a while so we're trying to understand which secondary schools in Barnet are good for undiagnosed SEN/ kids without ehcps.

Particularly interested in those closest to where we'll be living: Compton, Wren, Friern Barnet, Christ's College, Archer, East Barnet, etc.

Any insight into how those schools handle SEN would be hugely appreciated.

Bumping up for you as I would be interested too. Have done a bit of research and not full of hope there's outstanding SEN provision in any Barnet secondary mainstream although have heard quite good things about JCOSS.

Thanks @Pheath.

I've heard good things (but not a lot of detail) about JCoss and also East Barnet, though both are a bit further for us.

Hi there, both children at Wren secondary currently. My oldest is diagnosed ASD and ADHD and our experience has been really frustrating. Spent about two years going round and round with SEN lead for nothing. Basically, they note his diagnoses on his profile and I've managed to communicate with individual teachers when situations arose but they expect students to be extremely independent and self-managing (which is absurd when they're lacking the exact skills needed for that). Basically, without an EHCP all they would offer was that he could join already established 'clubs' like a lego club for those with social communication issues, etc., but my child wasn't interested in this at all. No individualised support in any way. I asked if we could request an assessment with educational psychologist employed in borough for in-school assessments, they refused to coordinate because he was 'fine', etc. EHCP lead said that because she had a relative with autism she knew what it was like and my child was just having typical teenager developmental issues. Even had the Barnet Autism Advisory Team involved, going to meetings with me, etc., and couldn't get them to offer anything. We kept child there because he had friends there, etc., and it worked in teh sense that it's a very structured and regimented school, which suited him, but I was livid at the lack of support. Many individual teachers there are genuinely wonderful and have been fully willing to communicate with me to support my child but the SEN lead (who is still in place, just checked) seems bent on just doing as little as possible.

I don't know about SEN staff at Compton, but I know it's less regimented, tends to encourage student flexibility (e.g. little things like rules less strict about students leaving class, etc.) which may or may not suit.

Also, be sure to get on list for the Autism Advisory Team in Barnet; everything they've done that we've participated in has been brilliant, helped us connect with other parents, etc.

I'm sorry to hear that about Wren. I know it has a reputation for being very strict but I actually think our DC would do pretty well in that sort of setting. They find the classrooms in our current school to be really noisy and chaotic. But I was hoping Wren would be on top of SEN and supportive.

I recently heard from a Compton parent who said that the Compton was less than helpful with their child. It's so frustrating how difficult it is to find a school that can really meet SEN kids' needs.

Interesting to read about Wren and sends shudders about the level of independence that might be required in a mainstream secondary, am certain my son wouldn't manage at all well as his executive function is really poor. Still leaves the house most days without his school bag and the front door left open, plus multiple prompts needed for most everyday tasks. Similar to OP keep getting told he is 'fine' when he so obviously isn't, only because school don't want to fork out a penny towards an EHCP whilst superficially he's meeting his academic targets. Several in our school are considering the Archer Academy but haven't heard great things about their SEN provision either. Do feel quite worried as no clear Plan B if we don't secure an EHCP.

I’d say that the less academic focused schools tend to have better pastoral care but behaviour may well be worse. There are no good options really without an EHCP. With an EHCP Holmwood may be worth a look.

JCCos has an autism unit but without an EHCP is very hard to get into unless you are Jewish (and practising).

Sorry that all sounds bleak and unhelpful! I don’t think Barnet is worse than other areas, it’s just tough for kids in this situation.

There is a really good social group for home educating parents of teens who aren’t in school due to ASC/ADHD. My children are primary age so not part of it, but I know one or two from SEN meet ups.

Hi, just bumping this up as I've got a 14Y/O with ASD. Moved from Wren as too regimented and not interested in putting anything in place to actually help (like others have said, they claimed child is 'fine' when that was blatantly not the case). Current school not as regimented and less academically focused, but not interested in helping beyond very superficial 'tick box' stuff. We're thinking of possibly home schooling as she's so unhappy at school and just wondering if anyone has any experience of home schooling this age group? Are there any groups for socialising - for the teens and/or parents? Thanks

Hi Soozeedee
Hope someone comes by who might know something about SEN in Barnet schools. I spoke to Barnet LA's SALT a while ago and think I've mentioned it previously but she felt JCoSS had the best SEN provision in Barnet (she's visited a lot of schools) with quite a lot of ND/ quirky kids. If you have an EHCP I think you can bypass the religious criteria although it's a very liberal school from what I've heard. Mainstream secondary education is a massive worry if you've got a child with additional needs. I'm going to be in that boat soon!

Thanks Pheath. Unfortunately she doesn't have an EHCP. We're in the process, but it will probably be too late for her (already in Y10) and, as she's not considered 'severe' enough under the new criteria, unlikely to get one anyway. Seriously considering home schooling, if only for her mental health, but would like to try get details of any support groups for parents in the local area. Also any groups where the kids might be able to have some social interaction. The LA local offer site is out of date and the don't seem to ever answer the call, so struggling to get any information/help from them. Fingers crossed someone on here will know a bit more. Best of luck with your search for a secondary, it's a stressful enough time anyway without the added worry of SEN provision!

Have you tried calling Barnet SENDIASS, they might have some info on home schooling. I'm seriously considering this as an option too although could be difficult getting my son on board.

Try also Barnet Parent Carer Forum 07468 029705 although I couldn't get hold of anyone when I tried sometime ago.

https://www.barnet.gov.uk/children-and-families/barnet-send-information-advice-and-support-service-sendiass/about-sendiass

Barnet is currently running a consultation on home educating. Might be worth keeping an eye on it. https://engage.barnet.gov.uk/elective-home-education-review

Home schooling wouldn't really be feasible for us, I don't think. It's very hard to get DS (11) to focus on any learning or school work at home. He'll probably go to the Compton in September but we have requested an EHCNA and will likely pursue an EHCP. That probably won't be in place before Sept, though, so we'll have to give the Compton a try (assuming he gets in). I spoke to their SENCo on Open Evening; she seemed ok but I wasn't massively impressed.

I know families with kids at JCoss and they're happy. I don't know anyone with SEN there but have heard it's meant to be good.

I also know parents who have chosen Friern Barnet School for their SEN kids and are very happy. I didn't feel it was the right fit, though, as the data on progress for mid/lower achievers isn't great. I also suspect some behavioural issues, but I guess you have that at most schools.

We ruled out Wren because of how cold and authoritarian it felt.

Eat Barnet School seems to have a big SEN/Inclusion team. I thought it was a pretty nice school but it's a bit further afield for us.

Totteridge Academy looks great on paper and the setting is nice, but it's tricky to get to and I haven't been able to speak with the SEN team yet. I'd be curious if anyone has any info on this school.

St Andrew the Apostle seemed like a nice smaller school but wasn't one we really clicked with.

I've done a lot of research since moving to the area. Overall, there doesn't really seem to be a standout best option, sadly. Even if DS gets an EHCP, I'm not sure where we'd choose to send him.

Thanks so much for all this information Pheath and Cookmedinner, really appreciate it. There's so much to think about and just want to make sure we get it right for her before making any big decisions. Good luck to you both with your secondary journeys, I hope you manage to find schools where your children feel comfortable 🙏

Just to say that you can look at the Resources for Autism group; I'm on their email list and they seem to run social events regularly. Haven't attended any as DS is not interested, so can't speak to nature of the group or events, but might be worth a look.

https://resourcesforautism.org.uk/

We're facing a very similar issue so wanted to check if anyone has some fresh ideas. Our DS (currently in Year 5) has an EHCP and attends a mainstream primary school in Barnet. He's very able but has some sensory issues (diagnosed ASD) and also developed a huge anxiety over the last 2 years (basically struggling to enter the classroom at the moment), so we're discussing what's the right option for him for the secondary school and going forward.

We were looking for special autistic provisions within mainstream secondary schools (e.g. JCoss, Harp at Hendon School, etc.) but more and more we're thinking about a special school like Windmill, which we understand (maybe wrongly) is primarily for low ability children however (at least formally) has a path to GSCE as well.

The key concern for us is how to find a school that is balanced, both in terms of support (small classes, 1-1 or 2-1 support, sensory rooms, etc) but also academically (a realistic path to GSCE and A levels eventually).

Would be grateful for any thoughts....

I have a child at windmill. Like any school there are a range of abilities but the majority are mainstream academic level with specific autism related needs. My child was fairly late diagnosed, previously in mainstream and the main reason they can't be in mainstream is related to anxiety rather than academic needs. It's early days but now in the new building. It's definitely worth looking at if you have a child who you are considering JCCOS or Holmwood for.

I'd also say to anyone who thinks their child won't get an EHCP, many parents of autistic children who are verbally able and academically able (sometimes very able) are told this. It has no basis in fact. If your child can't access mainstream because their needs make it too overwhelming either from a sensory or social point of view, they have every right to an EHCP (and depending on needs, a specialist school). Local Authorities are extremely incentivised to educate parents and SENCOs that children won't get an EHCP - very often the law says otherwise. Do contact IPSEA for independent advice, don't rely on the LA.

We have been told that Windmill was intended primarily for autistic children with no learning disabilities and with ability to access mainstream learning!

Hi Senparenting
Does Windmill have in house Speech and Language plus OT provision and although its early days do you think there's good scope for the children to make friendships?

I spoke to the Windmill HT recently as DC is getting an EHCP and has received an ASD diagnosis. The Head said they have a long waiting list and, while they are geared towards academically able autistic children, they're currently prioritising those who have not been able to attend school for an extended time (due to EBSA, etc). As a result, she said the pupils tend to have a lot of learning gaps.

It didn't seem like an option for us right now but sounded like it could be very good for kids who have been struggling in mainstream.