Schools good for special needs in Herts/St.Albans? Mainstream?

[missworld2010]

Hi all,

am about to apply for my daughter with ASD to start school next September. Although I've heard of a couple of mainstream school which are supposedly good with special needs by word of mouth, I can't seem to find any local list or recommendations.

I know I'm not allowed to ask this of professionals... but can anyone here give recommendations?!

Thanks

I know a few good SN school but Herts is huge so might be good to know whereabouts you are.

I live in Herts, my son (asd) is in year 1, Oakmere primary in Potters Bar (mainstream on SA plus - applying for SA). They have quite a few with sn/asd/other isues and have ben really supportive. Also other kids very accepting and that includes the parents as well.

miss world

Does your DD have a Statement?. If not I would go all out now to obtain such a document from your LEA.

IPSEA get an awful lot of complaints about this county generally due to their tight fistedness when it comes to provision.

LOL nope they are tight as hell in Herts.

Hi Starlight

That comment from PP made me laugh, well they would say that wouldn't they!.

Can only reiterate what IPSEA have said about them. And I thought Essex as a county was poor in terms of provision; they are five star compared to tight wad Herts!.

yes because if they hold off dx before 5 they wouldnt need these! Herts for early intervention are bad, but have to say they are better with dd2 than dd1.

OK should have said... St.Albans please! Have also heard Aboyne Lodge, and Skyswood, anybody know of any others?

Have just applied for statement this week but already been told by several people we won't get it because she's not bad enough. They had better assess or I will be appealing - yep I'd be one of those that knows their rights then! I'm not good at confrontations, shouting loudly or even speaking my mind very well but am guessing I'm going to become all of that as we go along, for her sake. How is autism not bad enough I wonder?

if it was wgc i could recommend some schools.

missworld

Ignore the naysayers (who told you this tripe anyway?).

If I had £1 for each time I have seen or heard that sort of comment along the lines that you have been quoted I'd be quite rich by now!.

only slightly worrying because the 'no's' have come from those who will have to write the reports - her nursery bosses and her EYAS (yes, wasn't going to mention that , but as she's young we have been lucky enough to have an advisor appointed for an hour a week - not school holidays mind, coz of course she changes for them.... ).

fortunately our paediatrician is on our side, yay :)

missworld

You may find IPSEA's "Refusal to assess" pack helpful in the likely event the Statement request is turned down.

The more info you can arm your self with now (e.g SEN code of practice which is online) the better. You are your child's best - and only - advocate.

www.ipsea.org.uk

Thanks. Will definitely do it for her.

Any more ideas on schools?

not sure if you heard of spectrumgirls? Its a group for girls with ASD in Herts (mainly). There are 4 ladies there from st Albans who Im sure could help you :)

Herts?

ha ha aha aha ha ha

Good luck.

Get yourself a HUGE set of balls and some heavy weapons.

Or move.

[very bitter]

LEA is bloody horrible! You really need to fight and fight hard or they will screw you.

I notice that you have early years involvement. Don't suppose it is Karen, is it? (hoping so because she is fantastic and I'd love to get in touch with her again!)

Southfield school in Hatfield fab.

I'm another one on Herts but bit further East ,some bits I been lucky with had enough evidence that they had to give in before tribunal but other bits had to fight for

Middleton over by ware has good reputation oh and you can force their hands for best place not the nearest one .ds3 is in language unit but it's not my nearest one wad only one I felt had a hope in he'll of meeting his needs

SLM, we will be looking at statements for DD2 after her appointment in Nov so will be calling on your services :)

Avoid Killigrew for mainstream but I've also been told Aboyne Lodge is excellent. For SN schools I've seen Southfield (Hatfield) and it's very good, I've personal experience of Collett (Hemel Hempstead) also very good.

Lisa - Spectrum Girls is fab

QueenofWitches - gulp!! Will it really be that bad?! Yes we have Karen, PM me if you like!

Starlight - sorry to hear it's been so bad for you, I may be caling on your help a little bit further down the line if you really don't mind...

roundthebend, how bad were your ds3's language problems if you don't mind me asking? How do I even find out which schools have language units attached? All pointless anyway if I don't get the statement I guess....