Specialist school vs other provision

[nothappytobeheretoday]

I am still trying to figure out what type of school would best suit my son and I am really lost so I'd really appreciate some advice. My son has been accepted into a specialist school (CSCN) for reception - but they have said they may only be able to meet his needs for one year, at the most two, as he needs stretching/challenging academically beyond what they can offer.

We have to go to tribunal (at great cost) to get this approved as his EHCP only states mainstream with no 1-1 support. I am just questioning whether this is the right path if the school is only suitable for one year? We can't afford to hire a solicitor and go through all of this again next year! We can barely afford it now (serious debt). I know mainstream isn't right but I also worry about my son regressing as he is highly influenced by his peers (e.g. will want to use nappies if someone else is).

I know as a parent I should know what is right for my child but we haven't been able to visit any state CSCN schools or High COIN units (all "full" so won't do tours) so I feel like I am completely in the dark as to what to fight for. We've paid a lot for private EP, SLT, OT reports but they are from professionals in London and they have only recommended London schools - or schools that start age 8 up. I feel like a fool for spending so much money to get something that still isn't right for my son. Any guidance, please? Thank you.

I’m confused. You say DS has been accepted into a specialist school, but then also say you have to go to tribunal and you don’t know what to fight for. Having a SS place means it is named in I, so there shouldn’t be an appeal for I (although B&F may still need appealing).

If you haven’t actually got the SS named, do you think the one you are looking at will only be suitable for a year? If so, I would be looking at alternatives, because by the time you actually have actually had a hearing it could be less than a year.

You can search for schools here. If you post where you are posters might be able to make suggestions. If the recommended schools in London are within travelling distances I would look at them, many DC travel further for SS.

Hi, thanks @Relaxinghammock. Sorry not to be clearer. He has been offered a place at an independent specialist school but it hasn't been named in the EHCP. We could pay for him to attend ourselves but can't afford it. We are appealing B, F, & I. Our Tribunal date is in September.

The specialist school said they would only be suitable for a year possibly two - so I can only go by what they are saying. This was the only school that was recommended by our EP that would accept reception age students.

I suppose my question is really, how do you know if specialist is required or whether a unit attached to a mainstream school would be better if you can't visit? I feel like everyone is telling us our son needs something different. His nursery said a unit, EP said specialist, Specialist school is saying yes - but only for a year.

We are in Surrey - but close to Hampshire and West Sussex - the furthest bit away from London. My son hasn't yet been diagnosed but ASD, ADHD both presumed. He has an extremely short attention span, huge mood swings, he is impulsive and likes to control everything. He must do everything and understand everything, he will take everything in the house apart.

He is desperate for friends but needs help with social skills and communication. He needs a small class, SLT and OT but should be able to access a mainstream curriculum with support. He has obsessive interests in subjects that I would guess are more adult than his peers at nursery e.g. anatomy and astronomy. He is very easily influenced by others - especially if the behaviour is transgressive. If anyone has a similar child and can recommend a setting, I would be truly grateful.

If DS needs a small class that indicates SS is required. You won’t get that in a state MS, and from what you have said I don’t think many (any?) indie MS will admit. If EP is saying specialist, I would seriously consider it. What do the other reports suggest?

I know the school think they will only be suitable for a year or 2, but what do you think? Would it at least cover the gap until DS is older and there are much options.

The link didn’t post in my pp, but you can search for schools here.

Thank you @Relaxinghammock. I felt like the other children at the specialist school were developmentally behind my son. Although my son would benefit hugely from the SLT and OT, I worry that his focus will mostly be on imitating his peers. The local authority isn't offering any other option than mainstream with 30 other kids and no support. I think a High COIN unit attached to a mainstream school might be a better fit - but without seeing it in person and speaking to the teachers, I really can't be sure.

Am guessing Chessington is too far from you but ambitious about autism are opening a new school in September
https://www.springschool.org.uk/key-information/how-to-apply/admissions-process

Assume you have seen this list.
https://nassurreybranch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NAS-Surrey-Schools-list-UPDATED-March-2022.pdf

Thank you so much @Mary19 for the school suggestion and for the list. I suppose, I just don't know how to get Surrey to negotiate and to get to actually see the school? Surely they want to avoid a Tribunal and the possibility of paying the independent specialist fees?

My solicitor has said not to speak with the LA directly but part of me just wants to call and ask if they would compromise.

I have heard from friends Surrey can be a PITA. Have you spoken to the likes of SOSSEN. I always get the idea schools like Linden Bridge are very oversubscribed.
Meath and Blossom house could also be worth a look. Primarily speech and language schools but have quite a few kids with autism

Thank you again @Mary19 one of the schools you listed is the one that has offered a place and said they would only be suitable for a year. I guess that is our only option sadly.

I wonder if you saw the same EP as me - I wasn't impressed by her (private too)

If your on Facebook - EHCP surrey is a fab group - loads of knowledge there - you will able to ask / search

Absolutely surrey LA is horrific. It uses delay tactics to go to tribunal. It's absolutely shocking. Costs parents thousands (yes I know it can be done free if you have the time to research before someone says it can be free) honestly they are the worst - plus all the stress for the parents.

Adhd - is he on meds - that can help massively.

I hope you find the a school that fits your child.

Thank you @fedupallthisrubbish - it is all so infuriating!!

Yes, our EP, SLT etc. are asking for a tribunal payment before sending us their reports. I get the LA pushing mainstream but our solicitor/private assessors are pushing one independent school without really listening to us about what our son needs to engage with learning.

Maybe what we are looking for doesn't exist?

Yes therapy but he also is still a kid and needs to do the fun kid stuff too! I didn't think finding a school with a bit of real grass he could run around on would be such a big ask?!?! Also, I know a lot of kids do it but 2hrs in a car everyday feels like too much for a four year old?

Yep far too few schools it's terrible. Too many kids. Not enough cash.

Also, the well known in salt (surrey) you prob have the same one argued in a tribunal we got the "therapy" for the one hr a week she was suggesting but guess what she isn't interested in doing therapy! What she was arguing in tribunal. The whole thing is a show.

So I would ask any professionals if they go to tribunal can they do the therapy after. As all these professionals love the extra cash of a tribunal but then don't want a hr a week of therapy

I got burnt by very well know salt and OTin surrey. So you should ask that too!

Good luck

Some independent professionals don’t do ongoing work, only assessment/Tribunal work. It isn’t rare and doesn’t mean they aren’t good. It is a different type of work, with a different focus.