Special school for DS

[sugarcandymountain]

DS is in Yr6 so we're looking at secondary transition. He has AS and everyone agrees that he can't go to mainstream - even the LEA. He has very challenging behaviour, a lot of anxiety and sensory issues, has been excluded numerous times. However, he's very bright, EP has said his IQ is in top 2%. He's on NC level 3-4 for all subjects (lower for literacy), his teachers say he would probably be higher if he hadn't missed so much school and if he took part in lessons instead of refusing.

The LEA have recommended that I look at a particular special school in the borough. I've arranged a visit and have read website, Ofsted etc. It has an Outstanding Ofsted and sounds like it's very caring, structured. It takes a range of SN - ASDs, physical, sensory, EBD etc. However, I'm concerned about the level of ability in the school. The LEA said that it takes a range of ability and teaches up to GCSE. But the exam results from the website says 0% got 1 GCSE A-C, although some of them got 1 GCSE A-G (in the past three years). In other words, the brightest pupils there are capable of getting 1 GCSE D-G. Their KS3 results put most pupils on level 3 or 4, which is what DS is already on now.

I get the feeling that they are going to name this school on his statement. The LEA officer said that he could be taught GCSEs separately by going to a mainstream for some subjects or by a tutor coming in to see him. But this sounds very disruptive and DS really struggles with change. Am I right to be concerned about this? In some ways I can see how the school would be good for his emotional needs, it sounds very nurturing and structured. But could he be happy there if he is with other pupils whose ability is that much below his?

I think the only way you are going to know if this is the right school for your child is to go and have a look round, and to talk to the staff about your concerns. If it is a good school, I am sure they will be able to reassure you. Several years ago, I worked in a school for children with emotional and behaviour difficulties. Some of the girls did have learning difficulties and others were very bright, and I remember one girl in particular excelled and went on to study pyschology at university. As the class sizes were so small (about 6) and with TA's as well it was possible to tailor the work to the individual. I would ring them up and arrange to visit asap, and how they respond to you will give you a good indication.

Thanks for the advice. I've already arranged a visit as I mentioned, I certainly wouldn't make such an important decision without viewing the place. I'm sure the work could be differentiated for a child in that situation but the social element is also very important as DS struggles to maintain friendships already due to his AS. I wondered if anyone had any comments on how well a high-ability child could establish friendships in an environment where the other children are very different from him?

No it is a huge decision for you, and having just been through the experience of looking at secondary schools for my Y6 ds, I can appreciate the importance of finding the right school for your child. I certainly wouldnt expect you to make a decision without seeing the school, although have been suprised at how many of other parents at our school haven't bothered to look at the schools! I do think your concerns are valid, and hopefully you will get some answers when you visit. In my experience of an EBD school, academic ability didn't effect friendships too much. The school I worked at though was a wonderful nurturing environment, but I do understand your fears. How are his friendships with his peers at the moment? Hopefully someone more helpful will come along! Good luck with your decision.

are there any more suitable private schools? They may be just pointing you towards the one they want your child to go for, look over boundaries as well, as they can send you out of area.

grumpyoldeeyore - yes, I'm looking at private specialist schools in the neighbouring boroughs and even several hours drive away (so would have to board). I've been impressed with some of them, but I know that the LEA will say they're too expensive and that the local special school is fine if it meets his needs.

So of course I'm concerned about whether the local school can really meet his needs if he would have to be taught elsewhere/separately from the other children because nobody else is learning at the same level as him. And also if he can't make friends because they think on a different level from him. He really struggles with making friends, he doesn't have any real lasting friendships, just playmates. And, well, he is a bit odd in his interests and approach and his classmates see him as very 'different'. When I saw some of the specialist AS schools, it was amazing to see the children there acting like DS, I could sense that it was somewhere he would actually fit in, with all the staff understanding and enjoying his oddities too.

If you want to go for an independant special school take advice from the school and organisations like SOSSEN on how to word letters etc. You will have to prove it is the only suitible placement and that your local placement isnt suitable with reasons. Good luck