School

[Violet22]

So had my son's annual review today, he is year 5 but academically behind and working at Y2/3 level, but in a mainstream primary with support.
We talked about secondary placements for him and school are suggesting not mainstream but special school. I agree because of his learning challenges but am sad that he will be separated from the nice friendship group he has. I am worried that at a special school he will be socially isolated. My problem is he probably falls between the two, too low ability for mainstream but higher than a lot at a special school . Was thinking school with unit would be a good intermediate option, best of both worlds, but most of them in our area seem to be autism units and he doesn't have diagnosis and us and school don't think he is autistic. I am just after advice or those with children in secondary special school how they are finding it.

I think the difficulty with this is every special school is different.
We have a school in our LA that might suit your ds's needs but that doesn't mean that any of the neighbouring authorities do.
Similarly though, every mainstream school is different.
My advice would be to make appointments with the SENCo at some local mainstream schools and to also go and visit the specialist provision in your authority with an open mind and try to decide on what your actual options are.

That are SS who cater for differing abilities. If there isn’t any who do within your LA look at surrounding LAs, and be sure to consider independent and non-maintained options too.

The same for ARPs, look at surrounding LAs.

I agree with Kite, look and speak to the individual schools as they are all different.