Need support for DS in HHS

[newMomLondon]

Hi
My DS is presently in Hampstead Hill School. We were recently called by the SENDCo and told that they feel he is facing certain learning disabilities and he is not able to socially communicate appropriately. We have recently relocated to London and he is gradually starting to understand English more fluently. The school thinks that this may increase the learning gap as he goes to higher classes. Does anyone have any idea about any similar situation? Is it a good idea to persist with the school or see other options? Also, if anyone can suggest what may be the best next step it will be really helpful.

Do they mean they think he is autistic? Are they implying that they won't be able to support him at the school as he gets older? I would want to know if they think he is autistic and if so start the ball rolling with diagnosis. I would talk to school about what they suggest education wise, do they think he would benefit from an SEN school?

Hi
Thanks for your reply. Well they are not sure yet but they think he may fall within the spectrum. They have already started the application process for assessment by the LA and given us some new targets for review after few months.
Do you know what is the criteria for getting into a SEN school if need arises? HHS is a highly academic school and I think their main worry is he may not be able to keep up with the other kids.

I would start by clarifying with the school whether they mean learning disability or autism or both. In England a learning disability is medical diagnosis in its own right (what is known as an intellectual impairment in some countries).

Do you mean the school has requested an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment from the LA?

Once you know if the school means a learning disability or autism or both you should look at a referral for a diagnostic assessment. Either the school or the GP will be able to refer you.

For a special school, you will need an EHCP. A minority of special schools allow parents to self fund but this can be very expensive.

Thanks @BrightYellowTrain for your inputs. The SENCO is already referring him for Social Communication difficulties assessment via Child Development Services. They have not explicitly said about EHCP. They also did not mention whether he needs to go to SEN school yet. They mainly stressed on the fact that since HHS is a highly academic school so they are worried about the learning gap.