Mixed or dedicated reception class?

[Derbyshirelady]

Our DS is starting school in Sept. He’s got development delay 18-24mths in all areas and is going through ASD diagnosis. EHCP in progress. We’ve got it down to two options:

• a new academy with dedicated reception class (big class - c30kids) and loads of space/sensory room. Downsides is it’s got no breakfast club, it’s not that close to home. Logistical stuff. Lovely feeling about the place, very inclusive.

Village school is mixed reception, yr 1 and 2 but only 12 kids in that whole group. Very close to home. Breakfast club. Small Victorian building with less space, but really caring environment.

Has anyone got experience of mixed reception classes when your child needs extra support? We are concerned that if DS is behind to start with and they are teaching at times at yr1/2 curriculum, he’ll be swamped by it? Reception group do pop off to have time on their own and due to size of intake this may only be 2/3 of them.

DS has been attending small village pre school and small nursery. Which is why I’m hesitant about the academy as it’s such a big class.

TIA

I would be concerned with a mix of those year groups. There's a big difference between reception and year 2 nevermind adding your sons sen into the mix. The social side of this would also concern me. Limited access to other children of the same age. Again a massive difference in age, 5 year olds are very different to 7 year olds even without sen.

The big class is also a concern but it would depend on the level of support in your sons ehcp. Have you considered special school?

Thanks biggreen
Interestingly a friend who’s a primary teacher has said the same thing about the limited access to experience/other kids in the smaller class. I think I just thought - smaller class/less overwhelming/more time with a teacher.
We don’t think he would get a place at a special school.