Mainstream primaries with good SEN support? (SE20)

[boudiscina]

Hello,
I just posted something similar in the general Education bit but probably should have posted here first 😬

My DD is 3.5yo and on the Autism diagnostic pathway. She is verbal and has no learning difficulties. We've successfully requested an EHCP assessment (ongoing), but I suspect she is unlikely to be assessed as needing to go into an ARP/specialist unit.

As such, we are looking at mainstream primary schools, but really not sure how to determine what good SEN mainstream support looks like... What should we be looking for or avoiding? Any advice please?

We're looking in the Penge/Anerley/Birkbeck areas of the London Borough of Bromley.I'm getting mixed reviews about the schools I've looked at (Stewart Fleming, James Dixon, Churchfields; I think we are outside of the Alexandra catchment area unfortunately, and have been advised to avoid Harris schools). If anyone has any local knowledge that would be gratefully received too.

Thanks!

I would visit as many schools as possible, not just the ones in your area, but also further afield.

Ask:

• how much knowledge/experience /training the staff have of autism, -and how many pupils they have currently with autism.
• what links they have with (autism)specialists,
• how they routinely liaise with parents, (good communication between home and school is imperative)
• what pastoral support is available
• what provision is made at lunchtime if DD is struggling with the lack of routine outside,
• if there is any opportunity provided to support with homework in school, if this becomes an issue at home (this can be a huge problem with children with autism as they get older and more homework is required.)
• what support they can put in to assist with social skills
• if there are sensory issues with the uniform what alternative arrangements can be made

In my opinion you know when you have found the right school. It just feels right.

Oh and I always think it's a bad sign if you have to keep ringing a school and they take ages to get back to you. I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole as if they are like that with parents of prospective pupils what are they like with the ones they already have?

My child went to Alexandra Infants and then through to the Junior school. He was supported very well. If you are successful in obtaining a ECHP then you would be able name Alexandra regardless of where you live.