Sunnydown/Slindon College/LVS Hassocks

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Hello!

Hoping there are some lovely MNs out there who can share experiences (good or bad) of the above 3 schools.

We have a son who is currently in a mainstream class with 25 hours 1-2-1 but we feel that he definitely needs a specialist environment for secondary.

We live in Surrey (v near the West Sussex border) and we can only find Sunnydown in Surrey that caters for boys like my son. How easy is it to get funding for an out of county svhool? We know that places at Sunnydown are highly sought after and want to have others to suggest if needed.

Any thoughts or opinions would be very welcome.

Thanks in advance
Jay x

Hi Jay
It sounds like you live near us - we're just over the West Sussex border. I've heard really great things about Sunnydown, but don't know LVS Hassocks. I looked at Slindon College for my DS, who has an ASC (high functioning). It's a beautiful setting and the teachers I met were lovely. There's no music department there, which was a deal breaker for us. We've opted for More House Frensham. DS is starting there in Sept (year 7). I know that our LEA funds several pupils at MH fully. If you're requesting an out of county placement, you will need outline why that's what you're asking for and be prepared for a fight. Good luck!

If you have a good EHCP getting funding is possible but you might still have a battle on your hands. Sunnydown is a good option. Speaking from experience, LVS Hassocks have had poor Ofsted and most of staff left and a huge number of the children. Staff turnover is a still a huge problem which unsettles the children. You must make sure all staff and headteacher are qualified with SEN children. Many are not. Getting funding for a school that is struggling can be harder, councils don’t like it. Try and choose a school with a history of good/outstanding Ofsted, it’s a start.

It depends what your son is like academically but there is St Dominic’s.
Also the priory schools but they are very expensive.

Slindon doesn't really offer a lot GCSE wise so depends on what your DS could potentially achieve. They offer English and maths, a combined science but otherwise various options that "add up" (in theory) to GCSE equivelents. No languages, no geography (but do offer history) a good range of arts and practical Btec subjects are their alternative. No music as PP has said. Currently there is a wide range of needs at the school, some quite complex so I would be aware if your DS particularly high functioning. Classes small but some struggle quite a lot socially which can lead to conflicts which personally I don't feel the school supports that well. New Head arriving in September, so presumably some changes afoot. There are areas which are great (lack of homework, lack of pressure, small classes etc) view with open eyes and talk to parents if you can. Really depends on your DS. It suits our son and we are happy with it for the best part but not a totally smooth ride, but where is?!