Secondary school in London for child with ASD/DCD

[FrenchGirlWestHampstead]

Hi all,

The LA is currently assessing my son for an EHCP. He has been diagnosed with ASD & DCD and is currently attending our local mainstream school.

I am looking at secondary schools for him and I find it a bit overwhelming (especially as you currently can't visit the schools due to COVID-19).

Any recommendations in NW or W London? I am particularly interested to hear about schools with ARC.

Many thanks

Hi @FrenchGirlWestHampstead just bumping this for you and hopefully some Mumsnetters will be along soon with some useful advice.

@soniamumsnet

Hi *@FrenchGirlWestHampstead* just bumping this for you and hopefully some Mumsnetters will be along soon with some useful advice.

Thank you Sonia!

Hello, just saw this - DS just started year 7 at a W London school with ARC. It’s going very well for him so far. You may have the answers you were looking for already but if not, please feel free to send me a message and I’m happy to answer questions if I can.

Hi! My son has DCD/Dyspraxia and was offered Pimlico academy by the LA. He is however currently at the Moat as his DCD is significant. I would go and have a look at the Moat to see if it would work and if so you could consider asking for it in the EHCP. Otherwise privately I would consider the American School in St John’s Wood who offers dyslexia no dyspraxia support. If it’s a state school yoh are looking for I am afraid you will need to take what ever they offer on the EHCP. I am keeping my son at the Moat as he is settled there.

If it’s a state school yoh are looking for I am afraid you will need to take what ever they offer on the EHCP

Nicorico That isn't correct. Unless the school is wholly independent the LA must name your preferred school unless one of the following applies:

• The setting is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs (“SEN”) of the child or young person; or
• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.

And there is always the option of appealing.

@Nicorico

Hi! My son has DCD/Dyspraxia and was offered Pimlico academy by the LA. He is however currently at the Moat as his DCD is significant. I would go and have a look at the Moat to see if it would work and if so you could consider asking for it in the EHCP. Otherwise privately I would consider the American School in St John’s Wood who offers dyslexia no dyspraxia support. If it’s a state school yoh are looking for I am afraid you will need to take what ever they offer on the EHCP. I am keeping my son at the Moat as he is settled there.

I don't think the Moat accepts children if autism is the main SEN - it seems like it has to be dyslexia. I am in a similar position and finding it difficult to get a placement in a mixed ability school.