Local primary schools for autistic son

[kitwhitfield]

Hi,

Our little boy is four years old and will be starting Reception next year. He's also autistic - relatively high-functioning but definitely autistic rather than Aspergers, very sweet and cheerful with a bright little mind under the verbal delays.

He's in nursery at Goodrich at the moment but we aren't very happy with the way they do things, so we're looking to move him somewhere next year. It'd need to be within walking distance (we're in Cornflower Terrace) unless he could be bussed by the Council as I don't drive. The next closest two are Heber and Rye Oak; I've had meetings in both places.

I liked the SENCO for Heber very much, as she seemed very willing to work with us, which is particularly important since our son has ABA tuition at home and it helps him a lot, so he'd lose out at a school that wasn't willing to collaborate with his ABA team.

Rye Oak seemed okay. They have an autism resource base, but we feel quite strongly that with a good TA our son would be better off in mainstream. We'd be applying for mainstream at Rye Oak, but I was a bit more enthusiastic about Heber based on meeting the SENCO - plus it's half the distance.

Does anyone else have an autistic or special needs kid at either of these places? Or have any other recommendations within striking distance? We'd prefer a secular school, as we're a secular home and we think it'd confuse our son to go somewhere strongly religious; we're also hoping for somewhere with decent academic teaching.

Any insider views very welcome!

[Jessie]

Have PMed you.

[Belle]

Is it worth also considering Fairlawn/Horniman schools ? I know the latter is bulging next year.

[kitwhitfield]

Thanks both - I'll check it out.

(Also forgot to mention, which is relevant, that he is entitled to full-time one-on-one classroom support; his EHC is supposed to be signed off soon.)

[helenanglim]

i went to open day at kelvin grove last week and they cater for autistic children.

best of luck