Secondary school ASD

[Bambiwithlonglegs]

Hi I’ve just started to look for a secondary schools for my daughter. She is autistic, mild to moderate learning level, does need support but not high needs.
We live in South West so looking for schools nearby! Although open to travel for the right school.

Any suggestions would be great and feedback please… it’s a maze out there…

Thanks

Mainstream or special/specialist school? Does DD have an EHCP? The SW is a large area, can you narrow it down a bit?

I’d visit the ones local to you. Make an appointment to meet with the SENCO away from the usual open evenings as there tends to be a queue.

Ask about the SEN dept, access to toilets, a safe space for break and lunch times if needed and what curriculum support would be available. I’d ask about homework requirements, planners and any differentiation/ adjustments.

Even if she has an EHCP ( if England) schools can vary in the way support is delivered. TAs are often subject based.

Don’t be afraid to choose a different school to others at Primary if it is more suitable for her. We did this and it worked out really well for our daughter (once we got over the initial resistance to slight uniform adjustments due to her SPD)
Some schools are better than others at transition, accommodating individual needs, promoting social skills etc.

Look at the school websites and their SEN offer. If you know any other parents of autistic children they might share their experiences (positive or negative)
Advisory teachers and other professionals aren’t really allowed to recommend schools. A local support group might be a source of information.

Even if she has an EHCP ( if England) schools can vary in the way support is delivered. TAs are often subject based.

That depends entirely on the EHCP. If consistent dedicated TA provision from 1 TA (or 2 sometimes) is stated in the EHCP, that is what must be provided regardless of what the school normally does.

hi yes has an EHCP! Richmond’s area!

I was looking at special school as I don’t think she will cope with mainstream as too busy!
and the SRP secondary schools are looking for around 90per going into mainstream which I don’t think she will manage but things may change.

If you mean Richmond in South West London rather than you being in the South West you could look at The Rise and Hillingdon.

@Bambiwithlonglegs
That’s less of a worry then if she meets criteria for Special. I know it’s a big step.
Specialist provision sounds like a high proportion of time in Mainstream lessons.
Specialist ASD provisions here in Mainstream often have lots of pupils with behavioural and sensory needs. They access lessons as far as they are able in the main school.