by Ladystardust » Mon Jul 31, 2017 10:02 am
Hi
I think it really depends on what your child's needs are as to whether the school is a suitable fit.
I have experience of Honeywell infants, and although a caring and inclusive school, in my view it is not the best setting for children who have sensory processing difficulties and/or are on the autism spectrum who need structure and a calm environment. It's very busy, and free flow in reception and year 1, and unless your child has an ECHP and access to 1:1 teaching assistance in the classroom they may find it difficult to thrive as there are limited resources to give additional assistance. Although the teachers and classroom assistants bend over backwards to give the children all they need, it is very difficult for them to give children who need it that extra help in a class of 30 children.
The playground is also very busy, as is drop off and pick up, given the size of the school.
The very experienced Senco retired last year and the Senco in her place, although helpful, I felt lacked experience for ASD related issues. However, I was in regular communication with her and my child's teacher and so felt very informed of what was going on which was really helpful in making informed decisions for my child's education.
They provide social skills sessions in small groups once or twice a week depending on your child's needs.
This is just my view from my personal experience and all children are different so it is really worth contacting the schools and having conversations with them, the Sencos, the teachers and visiting the classrooms in term time to see what the environment is like. I hope that's helpful!
Feel free to PM (although I'm no expert!).
L x
Hi
I think it really depends on what your child's needs are as to whether the school is a suitable fit.
I have experience of Honeywell infants, and although a caring and inclusive school, in my view it is not the best setting for children who have sensory processing difficulties and/or are on the autism spectrum who need structure and a calm environment. It's very busy, and free flow in reception and year 1, and unless your child has an ECHP and access to 1:1 teaching assistance in the classroom they may find it difficult to thrive as there are limited resources to give additional assistance. Although the teachers and classroom assistants bend over backwards to give the children all they need, it is very difficult for them to give children who need it that extra help in a class of 30 children.
The playground is also very busy, as is drop off and pick up, given the size of the school.
The very experienced Senco retired last year and the Senco in her place, although helpful, I felt lacked experience for ASD related issues. However, I was in regular communication with her and my child's teacher and so felt very informed of what was going on which was really helpful in making informed decisions for my child's education.
They provide social skills sessions in small groups once or twice a week depending on your child's needs.
This is just my view from my personal experience and all children are different so it is really worth contacting the schools and having conversations with them, the Sencos, the teachers and visiting the classrooms in term time to see what the environment is like. I hope that's helpful!
Feel free to PM (although I'm no expert!).
L x
