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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Private prep schools in Somerset or Dorset with strong SEN support?

1 reply

lossie84 · 25/03/2026 11:42

DC is currently in the pre-school class at a local private school. She's extremely happy there - it's a wonderful school offering small class sizes and a really special environment for children to grow up in. She has some developmental delay (no diagnosis as yet) meaning her social communication skills are considerably behind her peers and whilst very bright and capable when it comes to learning, she does exhibit processing delays. Also she is also not as physically strong and confident as her classmates. However, she is a gentle, calm, happy child who is well-liked and always keen to be involved regardless of some of her challenges.
The school SENco has assisted us applying for an EHCP, which is about to go to panel. We've stated our strong preference for DC to remain at her current school, provided they can meet her needs with the relevant funding and care plan in place (note we're fully aware we'd need to continue paying full school fees, but hope that the LA would be able to fund necessary SEN plan/resourcing). Obviously we're reliant on the outcome of the EHCP but feel we need to look at alternative schools, much as it breaks my heart to do so (current school is starting suggest it's getting cold feet, having previously suggested they'd likely be able to support DC with an EHCP in place).
Does anyone know of any private prep schools (preferably in Somerset or Dorset) that have a strong track record r.e. SEN support, potentially any private preps that are known to have excelled in accepting and supporting a child with an EHCP? Obviously it depends on the child and the setting, but any advice would be appreciated - feeling quite overwhelmed as to where to look, and mindful that DC is due to start reception this September.
Many thanks

OP posts:
ChasingMoreSleep · 25/03/2026 12:40

Some find Kingsley, St Wilfred’s and All Hallows inclusive.

note we're fully aware we'd need to continue paying full school fees, but hope that the LA would be able to fund necessary SEN plan/resourcing

Independent schools can be named in EHCPs and fully funded. You would need to prove the other school(s) the LA propose couldn’t meet needs &/or the independent school wasn’t unreasonable public expenditure.

When the bar for naming the independent school and fully funding it isn’t met (or where the LA say it isn’t and the parents decide not to appeal), some LAs will sometimes agree to come to an arrangement whereby parents pay the fees and the LA pay the special educational provision in F of the EHCP. However, they don’t have. The LA may well say you are making suitable alternative arrangements, thereby relieving the LA of their duty. Such arrangements are less common than they used to be.

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