bromley primary schools for child with autism

[jussi]

Hi,
My 3 year old son was recently diagnosed with autism and i sdue to start school September 2011.

We are planning to move to the Bromley area and know there are some primary schools with add on ASD units. I was wondering if anyone had any experience of any of these schools?

I was also wondering if anyone could let me know of any good/bad experiences in the mainstream primaries.

We wanted to move as we thought the education was better in Bromley than where we are now (Southwark) but I have since found a few places that may be beneficial to my son.

Obviously, this all depends on whether he gets granted a statement or not. I have sent the letter off this week .

Without a statement, I don't know what we will do!!!

If you get turned down how long does it take from the time you appeal to the tribunal? and sorry for sounding really ignorant but I don't know what costs are involved in going to tribunal. If you go to tribunal do most cases then get granted a statement?

We will have to apply for school places in January 2011 and if we haven't moved yet, I don't want to send him to any old school that has places left when we do finally move.

Not being familiar with the Bromley area I would really appreciate some views regarding the primary schools and provision for ASD children.

Thanks a lot

Check the feeder schools for Langley Boys Sec sch- some have ASD units/provision and the Langley boys have as well

You may already have all the advice you need by now, but in case you haven't...

Firstly, Bromley covers a very large area, so where you move may well affect your decision about schools (or vice versa).

Secondly, there are different types of educational provision within Bromley which may be suitable for your son. As you'll know, some ASD children are in mainstream schools, some in specialist units attached to mainstream schools, while others are in specialist schools. Bromley has recently opened a school for children with autism and additional learning difficulties, for example, in Beckenham (Riverside).

I'd recommend that you contact local charity Bromley Autistic Trust (020 8464 2897) - they have a family service which will help you get to know all the autie-friendly services etc around Bromley. They also run seminars and workshops for parents and family members and can put you in touch with other families with ASD children.

(I'm the mum of a 16 year old boy with ASD and I live in Bromley)