How do you decide between mainstream and special Ed secondary schools.

[C231009]

Hi all, DS is 10 and autistic and in year 5.

How the hell do you decide on mainstream or social Ed. Feel he may struggle in mainstream but he’s needs might not be significant enough for special Ed.

He goes to mainstream primary with full time 1:1 support. He doesn’t have many major behavioural issues but needs emotional support and he’ll with his work as he has learning difficulties.

Worry everything will change at secondary. A lot bigger and scarier, the kids don’t seem as nice. It’ll be getting on a bus and everything! 😭

@C231009

Does your son have an EHCP? Without one I think it would be difficult, if not impossible to access Special school.

I guess you go and have a look at as many schools as possible - but appreciate that isn't possible at the moment.

But hopefully by autumn term this year, restrictions will have ended and you can?

When you go you need to chat to the SENCO and see what provisions they'd have in place for your DS. Also take your DS so they can see what it's like.

I think once you've seen the schools, it becomes a lot easier to decide.

its difficult but ultimately i think you pick where you think your child will be happiest and feel most confident.

you may also have less choice than you expect.