secondary school choice for MLD son

[JUNI2005]

Son with moderate learning difficulties is in year 5 and we are looking for a specialist and/or mainstream private or state secondary school in or around London. We are based in East London, but we are happy to move if we can find the right place. Many thanks in advance for any advice this group can provide. J

PS My son has a had a statement of special educational needs since year 1 of primary school and will move over to the new EHCP system by February next year.
At a recent consultation with a consultant paediatrician we were advised to try and find a mainstream school with a separate unit for special needs that is big enough to facilitate a same ability group so that children with learning disabilities are not isolated at school. It would be interesting to hear about the experience of other parents - our dilemma is mainstream v specialist, and we are also seeking school recommendations. Many thanks again. This is a great public forum that can also be of help to other parents with similar issues, but if any of you prefers to reply privately to me - due to the sensitive nature of the subject - there is a facility to do so through Mumsnet.

I can say that you will know it when you see it! Parental gut instinct is a great guide on these things.

A lot of the kids that parents talk about on these boards have sensory difficulties, so if your ds has any of those, it would help to know. Similarly if there are any ASD/C or communication difficulties that you are aware of.

Obviously, don't feel pressured into giving more detail than you are comfortable with, but a bit more info would help to give suggestions

Thanks a lot - and yes, nothing can be a substitute for our own gut feelings from visiting schools - but we are just a bit overwhelmed at the moment with only a few months to go before applying! My DS has ADS and communication difficulties too. He does not have any sensory difficulties, however, although he has significant delays across all areas of development, including speech and language, non-verbal reasoning, working memory and processing speed. My son is in year 5 but his NC levels are 2C in reading; 1A in writing, maths 2B and science 2C. He is 2 to 4 years behind his peer group.