Mainstream or Special school???

[Starxx]

This decision seems so hard for some reason!!

We have received a copy of our Son's draft statement and they have asked us to name a school for him ... perhaps we were a bit niave but I think what we expected was for the statement to say to us something like "your son can manage in mainstream" or "your son needs to go to a special school"

I think we have decided that a special school is the way to go but its daunting to be honest! We are now rushing round visiting a few schools.

Anyone had a look at schools in the Birmingham/West Midlands area? Specifically those dealing with ADHD children and also ASD.

Star xx

I've taught in some excellent schools(state and independent) which are very supportive of SEND, but I think sadly from hearing numerous stories of poor care from other parents, generally I'd advise a special school.

Wish you all the best finding the right place, good luck

How is the statement worded? It's quite often possible to 'read between the lines' to see what sort of provision they are specifying and whether this would be available in a MS school or whether it's more likely to only be found in a SS. Eg, is SALT occasional sessions and monitoring by a salt, or all staff to be familiar with salt and this to be embedded within lessons? Is there any 1:1 specified? In a SS you are less likely to get/need 1:1 because the class sizes are very mall with plenty of staff. Does it suggest small class sizes? Etc.

Most LAs will be wanting your DC to be educated in MS if at all possible (rather than appropriate) because it's so much cheaper. If you want a SS and they agree easily, then you can be reasonably sure they think a SS is most appropriate.

My DS with ASD has a statement and is in MS with 1:1. This is the right place for him academically as all my local SSs are aimed at DC with lower academic targets, but I think he misses out on explicit social skills and life skills teaching.