looking for advice on special schools

[Grandad61]

hi looking for advice on special schools and anyone’s experience that may help

Thanks

[Vikki-Moderator Moderator]

Hopefully someone with experience will answer soon, but in the meantime there is some information on local peer support groups for parents/carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities at norfolk.gov.uk/children-and... You may find more people there with the first-hand experience you are looking for.

[MrsHello Community Ambassador]

Hi,

I have experience of special school and generally what I learnt is that Norfolk has a whole range of specialist schools for different age ranges. I’m not sure from your post whether you have a lot of knowledge or are just starting this journey. Depending on what you are needing there are autism specific schools, complex learning needs schools or schools for those with complex physical disabilities. I’ve looked around lots of the schools when I was trying to find the correct school for us and some of the schools are for short periods of time only and others are more long term. This really confused me to begin with as I didn’t know which was which or what was best. Generally if you are looking at special school your child will be being supported by a senco at school/ nursery or an education and health care coordinator who works for Norfolk county council and they might make suggestions.

Have you got an idea of what kind of special school you are looking at? This is really a good starting point to help you know where to look first. The link you’ve been given by the previous reply is really helpful as support and info from other parents is definite the most helpful. You could also maybe ask any professionals working with your child whether they had any ideas. I asked anyone I can which was helpful ( sometimes!) I also rang and spoke to the school I was looking at and arranged visits at the schools we were particularly focused on. I think whilst the schools are busy they are used to parents ringing. Lot also have good websites for information. If there is any specific information you need do ask? If I can think of any additional helpful links I will post them for you. Good luck 😊