Independent secondary schools

[StressedMumma89]

Hi - sorry if there’s already a thread about this, just looking for a bit of advice.

My DS is 10, in year 6 and moving to secondary in September. We had to make choices last summer with the intention of getting a place offered in January. We were advised to pick 3, I picked 6, 5 specialist and 1 mainstream and the LA consulted on the local main stream - so 7 in total and 7 rejections- can’t meet need. DS has autism and ADHD and needs a lot of support, currently has a 1:1 but isn’t violent / aggressive, is behind academically, year 4 level independently. He’s been in a terrible environment throughout primary and I just want him to go to a school that understands him and where he might make a friend and get a handful of GCSE’s

His EHCP has just been issued with “type mainstream” - though I would prefer specialist.

Just wondering if anyone knows of any independent SEN schools in the SW London/ Surrey areas? I’ve come across a few through word of mouth, but wondered if there are other schools out there I could still consult. There’s no generic list.

Thanks

If the LA has only finalised naming a type of placement, you should appeal. Appeal B&F as well as I.

It is worth reading about the actual law so you know what should happen and the actual rules. You didn’t need to state 3 preferences. You didn’t need to state a MS if SS was your preference. And you didn’t need to state your preference last summer.

For non-wholly independent schools, you don’t need an offer of a place, the schools can be named even if they object unless the LA can prove one of the lawful exceptions. Are any of the 5 SS who have already been consulted not wholly independent?

It will depend on DS’s presentation, the needs you describe cover a wide range of presentations, but if you haven’t already discounted them, you could look at Skylarks, Leith Hill, Wemms/Woodstock. Depending on DS’s presentation, it might be worth speaking to More House. They sometimes admit even if DC don’t have dyslexia. Depending on where you are, Centre Academy may be doable. Although DS may find this environment/cohort challenging. Same for Odyssey House. Like many independent SS, some of the schools mentioned are marmite schools - parents either love it or they hate it.

Not independent, but depending on where you are in SW London/Surrey, St Dominic’s, The Rise or Spring School might be doable if you haven’t already ruled them out.

Thank you so much for your reply. I have only contacted two of the schools you mentioned. One is currently considering and The Spring School said no upon consultation from the LA, though I suspect this was more down to a lack of placements. 2 of the specialist schools weren’t independent. One said no and one was yet to answer.

Thank you for the advice regarding appealing the EHCP. I had spoken to the LA (Wandsworth) and they advised there was no need to appeal as it was just a standard part of the process when no school had been identified and stating mainstream just leaves them able to consult all schools. I’ve found the whole EHCP process mind boggling to be honest! So any nudge in the right direction is much appreciated.

With regards to his presentation, he’s a lovely boy, well mannered, great with adults, he currently has a 1:1 but is capable of working/ learning. He would benefit from more laptop use as he struggles with writing and loves anything to do with a computer. He does need a slower pace and a lot of repetition in order to retain information and steps. Peer relationships seem to be his biggest obstacle, he’s overly sensitive, holds an grudge and can’t seem to make relationships work long term and this aspect a lot of schools just say they can’t accommodate.

Don’t trust everything the LA tells you. You absolutely should appeal. I would do it ASAP but whatever you do, do not let your right of appeal lapse.

Alongside this, remind the LA case law dictates where they name mainstream as type they should normally name a specific placement. Ask them how they intend to fulfil their duties under section 19 of the Education Act 1996 and section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

You don’t need an offer of a place from Spring school if that is your preference. They are a free school, not wholly independent. They can be named even if they object. If they are your preference the LA must name them unless the LA can prove:
-The setting is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs of the child or young person; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.
The bar to do this is higher than LAs and many schools admit.

If DS is sensitive, some of the schools I suggested won’t work. DS wouldn’t cope in Centre academy or Odyssey. Maybe not Leith Hill or Woodstock/Wemms either. Skylarks (you will also hear it called Ashley Park) is definitely worth considering if you are within travelling distance - don’t be put off by the academic level of some pupils, they have different levels of curriculum.

You have had some excellent advice here.
I agree, look at Skylarks in Epsom. It might be worth looking at Unsted Park.
Hopescourt in Walton is not independent but maintained specialist which is worth a look.
Knowl Hill is a fantastic school. They are primarily a dyslexia school I think most of the pupils are neurodiverse. They have opened another school in Bisley.

If DS is sensitive, Unsted Park is unlikely to be suitable with some of their current cohort.

Thank you.
I don't have that insight into their cohort. They were very quick to say " no" to one of my children so I assumed they only accepted biddable children.
You have brilliant knowledge.

While they are an ASD school rather than SEMH school, some of their current cohort can display behaviours which challenge secondary to their ASD. Obviously not their fault, but I think OP’s DS may struggle with that if he is sensitive.

At the moment, Unsted Park is a s41 independent, so can be named even if they object when consulted.

Thank you so much for all information and advice. We have just recieved an offer from one of the schools mentioned in the first reply. The LA are already mentioning the public purse, but there’s literally no other option as far as I’m concerned, my DS attended a 3 day trial
at the school and he really liked it.

The LA told me a new provision is being opened in Wandsworth, as there were about 40 children without places and subsequently with EHCP’s naming by type, I’m praying they don’t just palm us off with this ‘solution’ as it’s still part of a mainstream school, though he wouldn’t be expected to engage in mainstream, which I personally think sounds awful! And I’m just not on board with him being used a guinea pig for this idea when he’s already had such an awful primary experience.

I will begin the appeal process and just hope for the best. I am just waiting for a chat with our ASD service and hopefully they’ll be able to offer some support with this entire ordeal.

Thank you again for the information/ advice and fantastic knowledge, it’s been incredibly useful :)

I am pleased to hear you have found a school DS likes.

Ignore the LA and start building your case. Think about submitting SARs to the LA, current school, any schools the LA has consulted and any other professionals involved. And consider whether you need any independent reports. If you can’t afford them and aren’t eligible for legal aid, have a look at charity funding, e.g. Parents in Need.