Hello,
I wonder if anyone can help. My DS is entering reception this year but we need to move in the next few months due to DH's job change (sadly could not marry this up to start of term). We are hoping for a move to Bath (possibly Bristol, or Bath surrounds).
Would any Mumsnetters please have any knowledge they could share of kind, caring primary schools (non fee-paying) in the Bath area so we can approach them and see if they have an in-year place, and also tailor our accommodation search? Any other tips on the area also gratefully received. He has been very difficult to get to attend nursery/often refused (the nursery and us worked very hard on different strategies to make this happen) and we anticipate the same from school. He has not yet been diagnosed but is on the waiting list referred by his nursery, for suspected (high functioning?) autism with some difficulties in the areas of social communication & sensory processing. He is quite anxious. As far as we are concerned, he is very bright but struggles in these areas and this has led to some difficulties at nursery (e.g. interaction with other children, adhering to boundaries, group activities etc) and in other settings.
We are looking for a school who can support him in these areas regardless of whether he ends up with a diagnosis, or with an EHCP (he has also been referred to the local authority for EHCP support, which we recently found out has been rejected but apparently this is fairly standard and the school may recommend appealing). Ideally any schools who will be understanding of DS' need for flexibility (eg not participating in some activities eg group activities) and his need for calming strategies and support with social communication. We would like a school that will listen to us and work with us on solutions as a team, and will allow some flexibility in terms of transition and support in attendance.
It would be great to have any suggestions from anyone. I am very grateful in advance!
Happy to provide further info if needed.
Thanks!