• Replies 4 replies
  • Subscribers 65 subscribers
  • Views 2411 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

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. 

Parents

  • 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.  

Reply

  • 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.  

Children
No Data