List of POSITIVE primary school experiences re ASD child NORTH YORKSHIRE or ENGLAND generally.

[JD100]

Myself and husband are hoping to move back near York, North Yorkshire in a year or so with, by then, a Statemented ASD child (currently Cambridge with work and Statementing) in time to find the right school and settle there.

It doesn't have to be York but maybe an hours drive of York, North Yorkshire would be fine, however, we would move pretty much ANYWHERE in England to get the right support in education for our son.

There are plenty of avoids that I've read which are useful but would really like to hear some primary schools NAMED that have been a POSITIVE experience for ASD child. We were hoping for more of a village location with perhaps a quieter school environment but it's more about the primary school. Really appreciate your time. You could change our lives.

Bishop Thornton school near harrogate has an amazing reputation. It is small, and apparently really nurtures dc with SN, whilst still being mainstream.

We considered it for ds, but felt that at the moment he has good friends and that is worth a lot for him.

Hookstone Chase primary in harrogate is (I believe) a specialist ASD mainstream school. They may be worth contacting to ask if they can recommend any schools.

North Yorkshire is an exceptionally nasty council to deal with. Head South for Manchester area or Leeds and they are less nasty (in that I have heard less stories of vilifying parents for advocating for their children).

Oh god, really Starlight?
We have no options to move, what sort of things should we be looking out for?

I dunno. Fake child protection proceedings when you are forced to appeal to tribunal for basic provision. Overhaul of your family life to try and blame child's difficulty on family structure. Online researching you and using information. That kind of thing. Not exclusive to NY by any means but certainly I know of a few cases where this has happened there.

Anecdotally I have heard that North Yorkshire are not as good in terms of provision as West Yorkshire. We are in west yorks, but on border of North. No experience myself outside of West Yorkshire but this is what people have told me.

Then again, I think with everything, you will have good stories and bad ones.

I'm sure I sound quite mad which is exactly why they get away with it.

I've read about tribunals on here, but not sure what they're for - are they for statements and education? (I know I'll probably sound stupid asking, but I'll never know otherwise - I've always wondered what they're about!)

Yes. They are to ensure your child receives the education and protection and support they need to enable them to acheive what they need to and what they are capable of. Not all children need them, but if your child does they are usually meaningless documents without a tribunal unless your child is extremely disruptive.

Thank you :)

N Yorks have introduced some ASD and AS resources in mainstream schools (they dislike the term units, for some reason) but there's only a handful of places through the entire county.

There's actually a document on the web that states that if you dare to ask them to fund an independent school place, they will employ a barrister against you at tribunal.

DS1 has an Indi school place in N Yorks, now, but we're not in the county and most definitely won't even be contemplating moving into it, as long as the boys are at school (since I have another boy with ASD with a whole decade of education to go)!

Sounds like you will be/ would like to be in York itself though? York is a separate unitary authority and a completely different kettle of fish. Have PMd you.

Pm you

Thank you everyone for your advise and comments. Really appreciate it.

Sorry to resurrect this, but I have pretty much the same question. Moving to York with 8 year old ASD with EHCP. Are there any small mainstream primary schools that would be a good fit. We'd prefer to . be in the South of York for a commute to Leeds but can be more flexible for the right school. All responses are much appreciated

Im originally from west yorkshire now living in london am desperate to move back witj my 7year old son who has ASD..been here 20years but need to move closer to family ..watching with interest..son currently goes to an indie specialist school for asd..having ups and downs there to be honest..long story but like previous poster says theres good and bad stories everywhere..my son would not cope in a mainstream setting

There is a specialist school (brekenbrough) offering day and boarding options for boys with asd between thirsk and Northallerton. No idea if it's any good but drive past it so know that it exists.
No experience with asd but my son has a medical condition which can impact on his learning and his school in Northallerton (applegarth) has been absolutely fantastic with meeting his needs and supporting him.
Hope you find somewhere that works.