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Mainstream school with ASD unit Cardiff?

11 replies

bochead · 15/02/2011 19:00

Hi

Despite my son being statemented his London school have today announced they no longer want him. He is year 2 and this is his second mainstream primary.

I was hoping to move to Wales in about a year anyway but am now thinking of trying t ring this forward. This is bcause he will be sent to a temporary unit or home tutored until a new mainstream placement can be found. The LEA, to be fair are being fantastic as the Head wanted him permanently excluded and they aren't allowing that to go on his record.

I don't want him to keep chopping and changing as it isn't good for him so am wondering if things would better in another part of the country. He's gutted at losing all his friends and I'm kind of wondering if it would be better to uproot him now.

I'm feeling very let down by my local London health services too, as I feel we might not be in this mess had they pulled their finger out. It was a 2 year wait for his first appointment at the joint communication clinic, he's due back in March for their findings and they are absolutely unwilling to help the contribute input to the LEA statement.

I had Fairwater or Gabalfa in the back of my mind as possible areas to move to based on my budget but am open to suggestions from locals who know the schools. This was my plan long term as I've never been able to see how he'd eventually cope in an inner London comprehensive.

His statement states he has "social communication disorder" (which seems to mean sweet fa). Change, crowds and noise are his key issues.

OP posts:
Oakmaiden · 16/02/2011 09:59

No personal experience of Cardiff (I am a bit further West, in Neath), but Pentrebane Primary, which is in Fairwater, has an ASD unit, I believe.

cwtch4967 · 16/02/2011 10:56

I'm also in Neath! No knowledge of Cardiff but have you looked on the council website, why not give them a call? There is a group on face book called AUTISM FAMILIES WALES someone on there is bound to have experience of Cardiff schools.

starfish71 · 16/02/2011 12:32

Hi bochead. Am not sure of schools in Cardiff and believe it or not am in Neath too!!

Understand how horrible it is to feel and in your case told that your child is not wanted in school.

Hope if you do move that you find a great school.

Oakmaiden · 16/02/2011 14:55

Popular place, Neath! :D

starfish71 · 16/02/2011 16:57

Seems to be! Be interested in how you fellow Neathies find SEN provision here?

Sorry for hijack bochead, know you having a rough time. Am not good on advice as having problems with school myself and not dealing well with it.

bochead · 16/02/2011 17:44

No worries. We are in Cardiff for half term but now am so tempted to take a day trup to Neath just a for a group hugs ; )

OP posts:
starfish71 · 16/02/2011 18:10

That's not a bad idea! Smile

Oakmaiden · 18/02/2011 11:43

starfish - we moved here 8 months ago from Bournemouth, and my son is in secondary school. So far they seem FAR more keen to help him than his school in Dorset was, so good vibes so far....

That said, there seems a real shortage of expertise that parents and children can access without attending a special school. Although the hospital are referring ds to an "Understanding emotions and social skills" group, and also possibly to a SAL group. The only specific autism related help available seems to be for parents of children who are just diagnosed - and that is through the NAS.

starfish71 · 18/02/2011 14:10

Hi Oakmaiden, my DS has just started the social and emotional awareness group (SEA group) have to go to swansea for it once a week. He seems to be enjoying and apparently at the end of it they do a really useful report.

DS is 7 and his current mainstream school is just not working. We have a final statement and have just put in for appeal to change placement. Lots of fun.

There is a group that runs once a week that is support for parents. It is very good and they get guest speakers in and actually are trying to improve things in the area. If you are interested let me know.

Sorry again for hijack!

bettyboop63 · 18/02/2011 14:49

check the ASD special schools website though as usually you are welcome to go to their meetings /parent support group even though your DC may not be at the school worth a look plus they will prob have speakers ect and other support group advice HTH

bettyboop63 · 18/02/2011 14:56

Brynglas Primary School - Autism Services Directory - NASBrynglas Primary School. www.steplearn.net/brynglas (new window). Brynglas ASD Centre caters for 12 children diagnosed with autism. dont know how near that is to fairwater though

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