need advice on school MS/SN/IND?

[want2sleep]

Hi all,
I am hoping for some advice about placing ds next Sept in another school.

Ds is 5.5yrs in yr1 one of the younger ones. He has dx and SEN statement. Goes to school for social interaction only. Hone ed rest of time.

Maths/english skills like a 10yr old but social/emotional/communication like 2-3 yr old...so difficult as can cope with circ but not with play etc

Thinking of keeping ds back a year for extra time to develop play and emotionally be closer to this age group.

There are advantages to all three types of schools MS for circ and peer role models... but large class sizes/taking long time to integrate into school; SN's for more time on social communication (but will imitate behaviours)and not be stimulated educationally; then IND MS smaller classes/may adjust circ to meet his education needs higher level and socialplay/communication at lower level and possible faster intergration due to less noise, smaller class, not bored as challenged more etc...but may not be 'type' of pupil other paying parents want their!

they all have advantages and disadvantages and dont know what to do...any advice greatly needed TIAx

I would go with the sn school as they have more access to speech therapists etc and more in tune with your childs 'problems'. What about doing something after school ie cubs or football for the social side. Sn schools ideal for class size, ms school he would probably get left behind or even forgotten due to the class size. my son in sn school class of 9 pupils with teacher and 3 lsa's. would recommend sn school every time for someone same as my son but the children are not all the same,obviously whats right for one child may not be right for another i would go and look at all the options. maybe sit in on a class at each one for an afternoon, you will get a feel for what goes on and will instinctively know if its right for your child. good luck

thank you jub for advice good idea to sit in class to get 'feel' thank you

I guess it depends on the type of SN school.
It sounds as though something ASD specific would be ideal.. there are some fantastic independent schools catering for children with ASD across the spectrum, but state ones tend (not all) to be for those with moderate/severe learning difficulties and probably would not suit your DS given his fab academic skills (prob wouldn't get a place either) SEN magazine has lots of info about those if you were thinking of checking out the independent options.

My own DS does go to a SN school (mod LDs and asd) but we have managed in the last few years to get him to participate in some supportive mainstream activities out of school time.. he was 9 before he could manage this but it has really enhanced his skills (or as far as his essential ASD-ness allows!)
Personally I love my son's SN school because of the support and confidence it has given him, but as Jubee says.. it's such an individual decision ..go with your gut instinct

Thanks for honest response Macforme...need to start new thread as my 'gut' decision will involve tribunal [gulpp] as I dont think the LEA are going to give funding for IND MS not without a fight and need tactics