Mainstream Independent or Mainstream State reception for HF

[AAP5209]

DS, 4 is HF, and debating whether to go private or state- decision decision

Has anyone had ABA support in independent schools

Depends on each school, and how supportive, understanding and aware they are of a) HFA, and b) ABA support.

Imo if, like us and like you by the sound of it, you have a HF child and are doing ABA it is a fine balance between getting the statement right, and a genuinely supportive school. State schools have to abide by statement so if you have this right, they have to fulfil it - but might only do so reluctantly. Private tends to be more sympathetic to ABA but can change their minds at the drop of a hat and are under no obligation to allow the shadow in.

If it helps, we had a place at outstandingly good private prep (who were happy to take ABA but only for some of the day), then we got a place at the lovely, popular and over-subscribed state primary. Went with state on cost really (as we were at that point paying for ABA too) and cos they made all the right noises about supporting ABA, which at that point was more important to us. Reception was a nightmare as they tried to stop us having ABA shadows there, stood against us at appeal, and class teacher uncooperative. I was distraught for months that we'd made the wrong decision. But Year 1 going really well, finally have ABA-trained TA, amazing and supportive class teacher who is willing to work with us. Next year might all be different!

Whereabouts are you?