Secondary schools - SEN provision

[Medusa]

I have a child with OCD and mild Asperger's Syndrome who's currently in Year 6. I'm looking at secondary schools with a specific interest in how effectively they meet the needs of children with 'special needs' and wondered whether anyone has any personal experience/information to offer... My child isn't statemented and is unlikely to be, given that his results are good and he's not disruptive in any way. (The fact that he's not achieving *his own* potential appears to be largely regarded as unimportant.)

Quite a few schools reference how they support chldren with dyslexia and ASDs but I'm not sure how many have solid experience of OCD...

[heber jumble queen]

I'm afraid I can't help Medusa, but I am asking the same question myself so would be interested in any answers... I also have a son in yr 6 with Aspergers (non disruptive, non statemented) and I'm not really sure where to start asking the right questions. If we don't get any other responses Medusa - let's at least keep in touch and swap experiences from open days!

[Renata Hamvas]

I'm asking Southwark School admissions for you. The only school I know about that I think list Aspergers as its speciality SEN is Haberdasher's Askes, a Lewisham school in Telegraph Hill. Their open day is today-until 7pm.

[sillywoman]

Renata, do any list Dyslexia as their specialty SEN?

[heber jumble queen]

Thanks Renata, any advice gratefully received.

HJQ

[BB100]

Beths Grammar in Bexley also have a unit for Autism or Aspergers I hear

[Pugwash]

Having worked with some adults with OCD - I would imagine that it is important to explain to any school how this manifests itself i.e. repeated checking activities/things in certain order etc. How does his primary school manage this?

Was the OCD professionally diagnosed? It may help to have a GP or psychologist letter confirming the diagnosis and giving ideas how a school could manage the condition.

Haberdasher's is very over subscribed for both boys and girls - 1000 applicant for 100 places when I tried to get my daughter in there.

[Medusa]

@ Pugwash: he was professionally diagnosed, yes - six months ago. The school have been a bit hit-and-miss in their approach...So much depends on the individual teacher. His Asperger's is not esp relevant as he comes across as just a bit shy on the whole.

I have an extensive report from the Michael Rutter Centre but am keen to find out which schools have prior experience so as to avoid having to do all the donkey work of explaining how OCD manifests and how they need to support him at school.