Choosing a secondary school for ASD ds.

[Looby2k]

Ds is just about to start year 6 and I can't ignore any longer that we need to find him a secondary school. He currently attends a fantastic mainstream school with an asd unit. I'm depressing myself flicking through the boroughs secondary school prospectus at all the schools I can't consider whilst the schools highlighted as suitable all have major down points which, ordinarily, would have meant they would be knocked of the list.
Obviously we are going to go and view them (I may spontaneously combust at the faith school mind) to see if they 'sell' better but I was wondering if anyone has any advice on selecting secondary schools for ASD dc's. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[LadySybilLikesCake]

Have you asked his current school where the leavers go? They will know of secondary schools which are more suitable for him, especially as they have an asd unit.

[Looby2k]

They did cautiously mention the local (to them) secondary school but it doesn't have an asd unit. They said that it does have a fantastic senco and it would probably help with transition to have people there that he knows but I looked at it for my NT daughter and didn't like it. I really do not want to base Ds's education on a great senco who may leave after a year or two. It is on the list of schools to visit as an option but the asd unit is quite important.

[LadySybilLikesCake]

Yup, that's a good point. Have you been in touch with the LEA? I know in certain cases if there's nothing suitable otherwise, they do fund private school places. It depends on whether your son has a statement etc. Where about are you? Someone may be able to help

[Looby2k]

Sorry I should also add that the asd unit he is currently attending is new and only had their first leavers this year. Ds really didn't like the last year 6 boy as they travelled together with transport so sending him to the same school isn't much if a selling point to him :)
I'm in Bexley. The secondary schools are shocking enough when it comes to the normal things like exam results and ofsted reports and such without the niche of asd provisions. I have spoken to Bexley snap who were fantastic at helping to identify which schools have asd provision and the kind of set up that support takes.

[LadySybilLikesCake]

The Good School Guide have details of state schools as well as private ones, and you can see the SN provisions and read reviews

I can't think other than this

[Looby2k]

I haven't heard about the good schools guide. Thank you LadySybil. I'll go and have a look at that now.

[LadySybilLikesCake]

I really do hope you find something

[Looby2k]

Thanks Poltergoose. I am hoping that I feel better (less nervous anyway) after visiting them. Best of luck for you and your ds. Your school sounds fab!