Special Schools Advice Please

[ChristieB2]

Hello, I have been lurking awhile but this is my first time posting. I would really appreciate some advise from anyone who has any experience in selecting a school for a child with SEN.
My DS is 5 years old and we are in the process of getting him an ECHP. He has hyperlexia and ASD. He is very bright, has been reading since he was 2 and adores maths and science but he is emotionally delayed and has some sensory issues.
At the current school he is only there 2.5 hrs a day and is spending 90% of his time isolated out of the class with his 1to1 as he can't cope with the noise etc.
He is starting to want not to go in the mornings and I don't want him to associate school with unhappiness.
I am starting to think that he should be at a special school where he can have more help and make friends. He currently has none and I am getting very worried.
We are really fortunate that we can live wherever we like and we are prepared to go wherever will be best for him.
I do have a preference toward East Sussex or Cardiff as our families are in these areas and DS loves to be close to them but any ideas welcome.

sorry for the long post.

Hi op,

Have you been to see any special schools? I highly suggest you visit a couple and ask lots of questions especially regarding academics as this usually isn't a focus. Of course it depends on the school.

My son attends a special school, many children (him included) have severe needs. Behavioural issues related to these needs can also be extreme. I would definitely visit some schools to get a feel for what is available.

hi Biggreen87I haven't been to any yet, I wasn't sure if I could until I have his plan but I will call them in the morning. Thanks for the advice, that's a very good idea.

Local authority schools are usually happy for you to visit. Some independent schools would require an ehcp first or an initial enquiry from the local authority regarding a place. It really depends on the school.

Good luck

Yes go and look at all the schools in your area and then further afield. You will know straight away when you find the right one.

Why is your son only in school 2.5 hours a day? He is entitled to a full time education just the same as any other child.

Hi Ellie, the school says they feel this is a way he can slowly acclimatise to being at school. I really don't agree especially with him being separated from all the other children, this morning again he said he didn't want to go because it was boring. On Friday he used the word hate...he has never said that about anything before.

I think my husband wants to go back home to Cardiff so I will start making appointments at schools there.

So your child is on a part time timetable? This is unlawful.

www.ipsea.org.uk/pages/category/exclusion-from-school

If you are thinking of moving to Wales bear in mind the education system there is different. The SEND Code of Practice and EHCPS only apply to England.