Recommendations of mainstream schools with strong asd resources in NW or North

[PapaveroLove]

Hi all I’ll be permanently moving to London as a result of work relocation this August together with my 4 yo asd boy. Need to work on-site in Regents Street 3 days a week and would like recommendations of caring mainstream schools with strong and supportive asd resources that are within 40-45 mins commute time to work. Open to any areas so long as the school is caring and supportive. Thanks a lot and look forward to any kind and genuine advice.

By ASD resources do you mean schools with additionally resourced provisions? If you are moving within England rather than moving to England does DS already have an EHCP? You will need one for an ARP place. But be aware if you move LAs the new LA will review the EHCP and can potentially amend, reassess or even propose to cease to maintain - although you will get the right of appeal.

If DS doesn’t have an EHCP, you will be limited to what schools have places rather than having free choice. The infant class size rules mean appeals for infant pupils are much less likely to be successful because there are limited reasons why infant class sizes can go over 30.

When does DS turn 5?

Thanks a lot for your kind reply - we are moving from overseas so no EHCP yet. He is born in Aug 2020. Seems we will have limited choices now then. Any boroughs you can recommend me to look into to narrow down my search? Thanks!

Unfortunately, the SEN system in England is stretched and no LAs are providing a good service unless forced to do so by parents. There are some that are worse than others though. Personally, I would avoid Camden and Islington. I would also avoid any of the Safety Valve LAs listed here - these are LAs who have agreements to tackle overspending in exchange for bailout money and this is have a negative effect on SEN support in those LAs.

I know you said N and NW London, but in case you decide to look further away from London in any direction, I would avoid Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey and Cambridgeshire.

Sorry, I know that is not a positive post.