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Independent schools

Funkiestmum

Hi. My son (6) is awaiting diagnosis, but almost certainly has high functioning autism (he's gifted and talented), possibly with ADHD and/or anxiety issues too. He is currently at a very good school, where they are trying hard to support him, but with limited resources and declining funding I'm wondering if he would get more help and support if we were to send him to an independent school instead. Does anyone have any experiences of autistic children in independent schools? To clarify, I'm not referring to special education facilities, but mainstream schools.

Thank you. 

  • Independent schools vary hugely.  Some are very good for children with Aspergers as they provide small classes, and a more personal relationship between teachers and pupils, so that the child is better looked after.  They amy also be less bureaucractic and more flexible than state schools on things like the timetable.  However, they might not have the same resources as a bigger school, like a special room for learning support where the child can go in break times, and the staff may have less experience / training on autism.

    When looking round schools, just discuss the issues you have with the current school, and whether they can do better.  Be wary of schools that promise the world - they're desperate for more pupils and more income.  Good schools will be careful about children with SEN to check that they can support them.  

    If they don't even mention SEN on the web site, that's not a good sign, but it's worth always going and speaking to them anyway.  

  • Good luck with finding a school. But if your present school is understanding perhaps stay there if he has friends and support. Does he have an EHCP, if so they can apply for more funding, even if not yet, because he has a diagnosis there are funds that school can apply for. They often don't know about this.

  • Thank you for your comment. I did wonder if this would be the case in reality. I don't have much experience of independent education, but I did notice the school we are considering does not even mention SEN on their website. I wonder if they are equipped to deal with kids that need extra help. 

    Your comment was helpful. Thank you. 

  • Hi, Independant schools are not neccessarily the right place. The teachers often do not have Autism training, resources can be low, as alot are struggling financially at present. We are having this problem at present. We went for a small Independant school because it should be calmer, more supportive.  Your child can be more on display in such a school, not always good, pool of friends is more limited. One or two teachers may understand autism, but the rest have no idea, and it needs to be Whole School Awareness. The headteacher said, yes, no problems, but no. They are now saying they do not have the resources!