school recommendations for SEN child

[eshermumkyb]

Hi all, my son has recently begun year 8 at a special needs school in Surrey. I'm searching for other specialised schools, both state and private, that can provide more comprehensive support than his current school. I'm looking for a school that offers a nurturing environment and enables him to progress and thrive. It's important to me that the teachers at the new school encourage both academic and personal growth and development. He has Global Development Delay meaning he is behind in all areas. He is fluent in my home language however English is his second language making it more of a struggle to showcase his capabilities at school.
I have booked an open day event at Wemms Education Centre in Surrey however have come across an article from the BBC about Wemms and now am not too sure about this school - if anyone has information about Wemms I'd really appreciate some advice!

Wemms is a marmite school. Parents and DC either love it or hate it. If DS has GDD, are you sure Wemms can meet DS’s needs? To get it named in the EHCP, you will probably have to appeal.

What level is DS working at? What type of special school DS is currently attending? What do you think is missing from the current school that DS needs?

Whatever school you pursue to be named in DS’s EHCP, you will need all the support he requires to be in F, so B&F will need looking at too.

Whereabouts in Surrey are you?

I know of Portesbury, Pond Meadow, The Meath, Philip Southcote and I’m sure there are others. Not all secondary though.

The Meath is primary, so won’t take OP’s DS.

If Wemms is anywhere near suitable for DS’s GDD needs, Portesbury and Pond Meadow will not be. They are severe learning and development difficulties (SLDD) schools and are completely different.

It depends whereabouts in Surrey. It’s a big area.

Meath still wouldn’t admit wherever OP lives, and if Wemms is anywhere near suitable for DS’s needs, SLDD schools, which Portesbury and Pond Meadow are, won’t be suitable wherever she is.