Such a thing as Statement of Social Need?

[Swiddle]

I'm starting to think about secondary schools for my ds with Aspergers.

He's in mainstream primary, doing really well academically, and really terribly socially (isolated, anxious, frequent tearful tantrums...).

Looking at our mainstream secondary choices, there's one which has an autism unit attached, and even though my ds wouldn't qualify for this (no SEN), I think that would mean the main school would be AS-friendly, with resources on site.

However, I've discovered we're just outside the catchment area.

Reading the admissions policy, we can jump the queue if we can prove this school would meet our ds's social/medical need better than anywhere else (which I think it honestly would).

Which brings me to my question... is there such a thing as a statement of social (not educational) need?

Thanks for reading my longwinded post...

SEN doesn't just refer to academic needs. If a child struggles in school for any reason (including just struggles socially) then they have SEN.

He should be on the SEN register and receiving help from the school with his social problems......

You can't assume that a school with an autism unit is any good for kids with social needs who aren't in the unit.....

You need to ask around local mums to find out if that is true,

But round here the secondary school with the ASD unit is the worst school....

Also have you had him assessed by a paed / camhs to see if they can give you a label (which might help him/you)?

However, as you probably know, getting a statement is incredibly difficult. And it's unlikely you'll be able to get one without his needs seriously affecting his (or schools) life.

oh b*gger - thought this could be our get-out-of-jail-free card.
We've got the offical diagnosis but without the official support.

i know its too late for september but i think you should apply now for a statement you can apply yourself you dont have to wait for the school to do it you can contact parent partnership, sosen ect for advice but better get in put into motion asap as if you want help for the social aspects you will need appointments with different agencies but if he gets a statement you will be able to have more choices of what when where inc which school and type of provision needed it will help if youve also visited any schools your interested in and make notes of why it would/or wouldnt be suitable

Just so you know Swiddle my DD1 has AS and is very academically able. She coped until she started high school but fell to pieces there within days. She now has a statement and a place in an ASD unit because she is unable to attend mainstream due to anxiety.