Autism - private or state

[nightlighton]

My child is due to start school in September, currently they're likely going to our local state primary.
I realise it's a long way off but, from what I gather, it's when children start mainstream secondary school when challenges tend to arise. I realise it's not 'one size fits all', I am new to all of this and I currently do not know what my childs needs are.

I do not have a crystal ball but, I imagine my child would not have high enough needs for a specialist provision but they will need adjustments.

Financially we could probably just about afford private, it would be a squeeze.

I am concerned that if their needs increase as they get older that private school will not be able to continue to meet them - if not then we will be left in a difficult situation.

Currently I'm thinking go to state, see how things go, then if needed the private school is there. To be clear, the only benefit I currently see with private school is small class numbers and a small school in terms of overall numbers of students when thinking of secondary, all if which I know would be a benefit.

If anyone has any thoughts or experiences or other considerations they're able to share I would really appreciate it, thanks

I have been having the exact same thoughts this week too. It started after I read how someone’s daughter was bottom sets for every class and she was struggling so much with masking and meltdowns and she moved to a private school and she started to excel.
for DD I know even now looking at the future she will stuggle with large secondary school environments.

if we had the money we would home school but in reality we can’t afford to lose a salary and then pay for tuition and the extra activities.

We're in the same position. We're also planning to start in state this September. Our first choice school has a SENCO who seems switched on and presents itself as very positive about neurodiversity, but it's also large (all state primaries are in our area). Having seemed to be coping with a large nursery class with some adjustments, we'd been quite optimistic about primary - but we're in a bad patch right now, and I honestly have no idea what reception is going to be like. We're applying for an EHCP, and hoping we can craft a provision that makes the tough parts of MS primary bearable - and if not, at least we're in the system if the type of school he needs has to change.

I'm not even thinking about secondary yet.

Rather than state vs independent it depends on the specific schools involved.

Some independents are not supportive of SEN and when they are many charge extra for SEN support. Just like some state schools are better than others at supporting pupils with SEN.

If DC needs more support than is typically available in a state MS you could. request an EHCNA.

lt really depends on the schools in your area (unless you’re willing to move?) and on who has places.

My kids are both in mainstream private school with additional support. It’s working ok for us at present, but one of my kids would probably be better off in a particular state school that has specialist provision which would suit him - but they are wildly oversubscribed and I doubt we’ll ever get in. So actually private school for us is the (extremely expensive!) second choice.

I think keep an open mind, visit all the schools, be as open with them as possible about your son’s needs and see what they say.