Schools for ASD/EBD in South Somerset/West Dorset...

[retiredgoth2]

First the Good News.

I am selling Goth Towers and moving in with my Special Friend (henceforth known as 'SF').

So Geeky Urchin, 12, will require a new school. He is currently educated in a resource base for Aspergers which operates within a mainstream school. He has a statement specifying this. The Feral Urchin is 10, year 6, and has had EBD problems since his Mum's death 3 years ago. These are settling considerably, and I am very hopeful of a return to mainstream. However I need to know options should this not occur..

(In addition SF has a profoundly autistic son. However she is already aware of provision for him in any of the possible move areas)

...there are a number of options. Bath is one, and I already know about the educational options there. The others are Bridport in Dorset, and Crewkerne just over the Somerset border.

I understand that Bridport is served by Westfield College in Weymouth for both Aspergers/HFA and EBD. It has a good OFSTED report. Is it as good as it sounds?

I am less sure about provision in South Somerset. The LEA were suitably vague, but hinted at special schools in Yeovil. Typically, there is no information about these on their website.

Does anyone live in these areas and use the schools? Are they any good?? All aid and opinions are welcome...

Shameless school-run time bump

bump

Final bump before giving up as bad job.

Hi RetiredGoth,

I've only just found this thread, hope my reply is not too late to be of any use to you.

My 13 year old DS started at Beechen Cliff School in Bath a month ago, and within a week had been referred by the SENCO to the SALT team for assessment. He has just been given a provisional diagnosis of Aspergers/Dyspraxia, which we are trying to come to terms with, but it doesn't come as any great surprise to be honest . I have suspected for years that DS is on the autistic spectrum, only to have my concerns dismissed by all and sundry. We are waiting for further tests and a referral to a peadiatrician at the RUH. who specialises in ASD.

I was very impressed by the way Beechen Cliff picked up so quickly (unlike both his other bloody schools) on the fact that DS has some major difficulties with communication.

We are still in the process of putting help in place for DS, but the SENCO tells me they have several kids with ASD who are doing well at the school.

Again, it might be too late for help but I can get some information about schools in the Wincanton/Yeovil/Sherborne area tomorrow.

Shout if it's not too late.

Again, it might be too late for help but I can get some information about schools in the Wincanton/Yeovil/Sherborne area tomorrow.

Shout if it's not too late.

Hi, Fairmead is the school in Yeovil, my friend has a son there (she also uses this site). He has Austism and she is really pleased with the school. I have a son with Aspergers, ADHD and sensory integration difficulties and have been trying to get an assessment for a statement of SEN but just had second refusal. Somerset is not good for achieving SEN's. I would also like my son to go to Fairmead but require an SEN to do so, so at present am forced to Home educate as mainstream failed him badly.

Hi

Again prob miles too late but DS attends Westfield and I think its a fantastic school. We have no experience with the autism base but other parents i have spoken to who do are equally impressed. DS has only been there since sep and we have seen a really marked improvement in all areas.

x

..just noticed that I have replies, thank you! I had given up!

As it happens, I am not now moving to the South Somerset area, but to just south of Bath.

..Beechen Cliff is a possibility for my NT twins (currently year 4) so I am glad to hear good things.

My older two both have statements (already issued, by South Glos) and I am happy that my ASD boy will be well catered for.

...he is likely to attend an ASD satellite unit at Norton Hill school (in Midsomer Norton) which has an exemplary Ofsted.

My 10 year old has a less socially acceptable problem.

Since the lovely (if fearsome) Mrs Goth snuffed it he has suffered from behavioural problems. He has been thrown out of two state primaries, and has spent the last year in a pupil referral unit. He has improved HUGELY, but not quite enough for a return to mainstream yet....

..the EBD provision in BANES is at 'The Link'. I hear tell that this is a dumping ground for kids that are expected to end up in prison. This prejudice was not aided when I rang to request a visit...

...and was refused. REFUSED!!!

I doubt it. But has anyone any experience of this place??