SEN primary schools in Hillingdon, advice needed

[PantaloonMad]

Hello, looking for advice from anyone who has placed their child in one of the specialist primary schools in Hillingdon.

Currently going through the ECHP process and will hopefully have it in place in time for school applications for sept 2027. We have to apply for the usual state schools however assuming the ECHP is approved we can name a specialist school.

Pentland Field in Ickenham is only an 8 min drive away (or I could get the bus) so would be the most practical in that sense. Rated Good by ofsted. Anyone with experience of this school? It is an academy rather than a state school (is this a pro or con?) and caters to both primary and secondary aged children.

The other option is Hedgewood in Hayes (primary age only) which looks lovely but its a minimum 20 min drive away partly on the motorway. My husband would have to do the school run (only he drives, also WFH, I have to go into the office) so quite a big chunk out of his day. It looks like it is rated excellent.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

I don’t have a DC in a special school in Hillingdon, but it really depends on DC’s needs.

While academy schools aren’t maintained schools and are technically a type of independent school (but not wholly independent), they are state funded schools. It doesn’t change the rules about naming them in an EHCP.

A school being all-through doesn’t mean the LA will continue to name the school for secondary, so I wouldn’t make this the deciding factor.

If necessary, you can look at transport.

We might qualify for transport but the idea of him travelling on a bus without either of us is also a bit anxiety inducing! I'd feel better if he was older but he is still only little and currently pre-verbal. Thank you for your response :)