ADVICE PLEASE: the Dominie School or Fairley House?

[Holymama]

I am new on Mumsnet and am looking for some help. Our lovely son is in Year 3 in a mainstream primary at the moment and is struggling with dyslexia. He attends Emerson House dyslexia centre on Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning but he is falling further and further behind his peers, and more worryingly seems to be losing his self-confidence. I wondered if any families had any advice on how you know whether and when is the right time to move to a specialist school dealing with dyslexia? And also any experience with either the Dominie School in Battersea or Fairley House in Vauxhall? Thank you.

Has he been assessed by a speech and language therapist for his receptive language skills?

How far behind is he and in which subjects?

I know of Fairley House and its meant to be very good. However, I have heard parents say that the school claim they are a school for children with dyslexia only but that's not the case when you get there. However, dyslexia is often present with other issues.

Thank you very much for your reply ScreamingKid. He has been assessed by an Ed Psych, various OTs and speech and language therapists and had a lot of therapy with regards speech, handwriting and dyslexia. So far he has managed in a mainstream school, but we feel that he is now struggling and worry that it will only get more difficult for him in Year 4. We are more concerned about getting him the right type of schooling than worrying too much about children with other co-presenting issues. Great to hear feedback that Fairley House is very good.

Holymama, I think the earlier you put him into a specialist setting, the better. I've heard good things about Fairley House.

I agree that IME a specialist dyslexia school is the way forward for your DS. If he is already falling behind and his self confidence dwindling, then make the move now. My DS' was in the same position I. Year 5, so I moved him in yr 6 and did not regret it. Many of his friends at his new school had successfully moved in year 4, tho. My DS rejoined mainstream in year 9 so am sure yours will thrive after some specialist support too . All the best. Can't advise re Dominie but I believe Fairley House caters for a broad spectrum of SEN in addition to dyslexia ? DS went to dyslexia specialist prep in Oxfordshire which I can highly recommend.

Thank you very much for your replies. We went to see The Dominie this afternoon in a very socially distanced way of course! and really loved its personalised, one-on-one approach to its kids. It's tiny, only about 30 kids, with a high pupil to staff ratio. I can't find much by the way of reviews for it, but imagine that is because it is so small. We are going to see Fairley House next week.

have pm'ed you, OP

Holymama I'm so pleased you liked it. If you know that school is the one for your son, you go and grab it with boy hands. It's going to be a fight but you can do it.

Holymama
Can I ask where you chose in the end?

Would also like to know if possible! Thanks