residential schools

Hi, we are also considering a residential school for our severely autistic son who is soon to turn 8 years old.  Bearing in mind the process is probably going to be a very long one, my hubby and I are hoping to get the ball rolling once schools resume after the summer holiday. Any advice, suggestions, recommendations (though I'm aware this'll be tricky without any extra details), etc would be most appreciated. 

Many thanks 

My youngest has very severe dyslexia and went to a dyslexia specialist secondary in London. No 6th form. Had other assessemnts and has attention deficit and is on the AS (without diagnosis - professionals concentrated on the dyslexia0. Had a battle with the local authority for specialist 6th form schooling. IPSEA waas great, so were a firm of solicitors. Tribunal ruled in favour of residential school, then the council took us to the Appeal Court.

The solicitor recommended ST David's COllege, in Llandudno and she had experience of children who went there. We did view STanbridge Earls among others in the southern half of England. St David's is the only one that does not need permission from Sec Of State for Education as it is an approved school.

My son had 3 very happy years there and then went to Uni for 3 - he didn't manage to complete the course(too stressful and learning systems that don't suit him) but very proud of him. He learnt how to look after himself in a safe environment at school but still can't get around to strange/new places.

Would recommend you look at every school, visit, see the school in action adn if needs be get on the waiting list. There will be lots to do and many battles if you wish to go down this route. When we viewed Stanbridge E we did not get to see the kids in class or at play. ANother school was the same. Standbridge E also said they would not be able to manage my youngest due to his complexity. My youngest is 24.

My 33 yr old nephew did attend Stanbridge Earls (after a battle with the LA) and the family have put in a lot of time with him to undo the damage done. He is 33.

The difference is the attitude of the school - is 'you can do' or 'poor you'.

Google Stanbridge Earl's

Its an example of the type of horror story residential education for persons with "special needs" can become

Hi - where to start ?  Does your son want to go?  Will it be an improvement on where he is now?  You cd have a long journey ahead of you if you decide to pursue this.  Are you expecting your local authority to fund it?  They def won't want to so will put you off at every turn.  Be prepared for a number of battles.  Check out this site + the ipsea site for advice.  Also you must visit the schools you are interested in, preferably more than once.  Check out their inspection reports.  Be proactive.  Talk to anyone + everyone about the schools you visit.  Take your time, dwell on things a while. The school my son went to was about an hour's journey from home.  He cd have come home every wkend, every other wkend, every 3 wks etc.  Parents were to agree the frequency with the school + local authority as they provided transport with an escort.  In our case he came home every other wkend + all holidays.  I have no up-to-date info on residential schools. When my son was at an autism specific residential school I think it benefitted him educationally + also with all the extra curricular activities as well.  He settled well.