SN secondary schools in Wiltshire or Somerset

[Umizoomi666]

Can anybody give me their good and bad experiences of secondary schools in Wiltshire or Somerset at providing SEN for kids?
We are moving to the area and don't know where is good and bad.
Needs are mainly associated with ASD and severe anxiety.
Interested in both mainstream (with EHCP) and specialist.
Thank you.

Boy or Girl? I can recommend a mainstream independent school for a girl with ASD/severe anxiety on the Somerset/Wiltshire boarder.

Do they only take girls? It's for a boy 😢

Sorry, yes. It's a girls school. Best/only suitable provision for my daighter I found within 75 mins of our house.

If looking at independent mainstream, I recommend checking the ISI reports for mention of how many children are there with EHCPs, and then contacting those schools and asking to speak to the SENCO to see if they might be able to meet needs.

You can do the same with LA mainstream schools but in our case the size of the schools/classes was too overwhelming.

With a boy, you will find independent SEN placements that may be suitable. In our area (not Somerset/Wiltshire) there's a couple of good independent SEN settings that only have a couple of girls vs lots of boys. For us that wouldn't suit but if I had a boy it might have...

Good luck

Thank you very much. I've spoken to a few LA mainstreams and they have pretty much all said they wouldn't do everything in EHCP. I asked them to be honest. He needs a lot of support and yes the 25 plus class size isn't going to work if they won't give a lot of extra support.
Looking at Indie SEN now.
I didn't hear great things about Indie Mainstreams coping with SEN.
Thank you very much for replying.
I am glad you found somewhere suitable for your daughter

indie mainstream very hit and miss. Some are great. Some are terrible, TBH. Some are good with some kids/SEN but don't cope with others. I wouls always try to find someone with a child at the school for opinions. Usually it's an option if reduced class/school size reduces sensory denands/anxiety ie in the right environment their needs lower. If they would have substantial SEN needs in an independent mainstream it's not likely to be right. Then I would definately go for a SEN setting (indie or LA)
Leehurst Swan could be worth a look if it's commutable. I recall it being on our list but as it was just that bit too far away I didn't follow it up. Possibly Rokewood also.

Thanks so much. I will definitely have a look. Many thanks.

If provision is specified and quantified in section F it must be provided regardless of what school say or normally provide. If it isn't provided you can take the LA to Judicial Review.