Please help us find a school - 7 year old v bright autistic boy

[Allthetoast]

Would be super grateful for any leads! My DS (ASC with an EHCP) can thrive when he is engaged, interested and regulated. Super bright, reading at 3, etc but with social communication challenges (e.g. engaging in back and forth conversations, playing with others, social intuition and rules etc) and with sensory needs (can be very noisy or dysregulated for example when noise is too loud or the environment is causing him anxiety eg group settings, or when faced with other challenges, which can be pretty disruptive at times) . He's in a mainstream which is trying their best and have been very kind and flexible, but he isn't thriving or engaged to his considerable potential, isn't excited about learning (which he can easily be - and we do all sorts of learning with him at home) he spends all day with a 1-1 TA - but at least is not unhappy (which he has been before). He also has limited social interaction and few friendships, although he is loved by staff! They have suggested that continuing in the school isn't the best option for him after next year, which we agree with (they aren't pushing us, but we are thinking this way anyway). We would like him to go to a school where he can thrive, have friendships and be happy.

We have looked round all the local state specialist schools and all have said it wouldn't be the right setting for him as they wouldn't be able to meet his academic needs. We figure we want to at least explore some private options which can cater for academically bright kids with sensory and social Comms needs (does not need to be ASC exclusive and preferably somewhere with an academically bright cohort). We don't think he would cope with a grammar or strict school - he is quite anxious and can be a bit demand avoidant if he isn't brought along on a journey of why he should do something, or if he isn't interested (we don't think to the extent he fits a PDA profile though). But he doesn't have significant behaviour issues. We are struggling with identifying something suitable but know there must be something out there - any thoughts gratefully received!! Prefer South west and if needed south/ midlands - but willing to move to pretty much anywhere for a perfect setting! Please help 🙏

Good luck. There really isn't much. North Hill House in Frome often gets mentioned. Or I've heard promising things about Grace Gardens in Bristol - Steiner though. Or there are some self-directed learning communities around?

Feel free to DM me if you'd like - we're in a not totally dissimilar situation.

Be aware in you move LAs the new LA will review the EHCP and potentially amend, reassess or even cease to maintain. Obviously you would be able to appeal but it is something you need to be aware of.

DS is slightly too young now and it isn’t SW, but you could look at More House. Further afield you could look at Holmewood, Gretton, Alderwasley Hall, West Kirby.

Thanks very much both, this is super helpful and I'll explore all these options , but noted the point about the EHCP. Think I will raise at his next review meeting that we are struggling and none of the options are suitable, and we need their help identifying somewhere appropriate, given mainstream have said they can't meet his needs and specialist schools in the local offer can't meet his needs. Anyone had success with this?

Really want to avoid a situation where everything implodes in a couple of years, as seems so often the case with these kids. (Has only recently stopped refusing to go in all the time) From reading other threads it all seems such a common problem that there aren't suitable settings!!

We have delved into self directed learning and not opposed but wonder if he needs a little more structure and adult guidance/support. But we will keep open to it.

Susie I will also DM you! Thanks

Any other thoughts from others also gratefully received on schools as well - I've added all the above to my list, very helpful and I've got loads to go on. Does the SEN board have different traffic? Wonder if I should post there too. I will just set out considering absolutely everything out there now so we can make longer term plans.

If there isn’t a suitable school have a look at EOTAS.

It is mostly the same posters on the SEN board, but it is worth a try.

@Allthetoast I've sent you a PM

You need to understand that the LA won't fund an independent specialist because you and the school think it would be better for him. They may fund one if you prove it by getting independent reports that say what he needs and which clearly state that the current or proposed provision does not. This is how the system works. The LA will want to keep your ds in the mainstream. The fact that he is sometimes bored, struggling etc will not be a factor unless a professional says so. You may need to go to a send tribunal. Start saving for independent assessments. You will also have to show why this school cannot meet his needs.