MLD schools for our children?

[Carrera74]

The County Moderation Panel have decided that as the BESD school didn't work they are now going to name a local MLD school. I have had no knowledge of this type of school. Does anyone have experience of these types of school for ASD children?

 

A MLD school has never been suggested before so I am not sure what to expect. Can anyone help?

[emmasmum]

Hi there, my son (rare chromosome disorder - not asd) goes to an MLD school which specialises in ASDs. They have an ASD unit for the pupils who can't cope with too many classes in the main school but try to integrate as much as possible.

 

I'm not sure how able your son is academically? If he is high functioning then you'll want to be sure that the school can cater for him academically. My son's school does have pupils sitting a number of GCSEs, but they are in the minority.

 

HTH

Carol

 

 

 

[justine1]

Hi there, my son (rare chromosome disorder - not asd) goes to an MLD school which specialises in ASDs. They have an ASD unit for the pupils who can't cope with too many classes in the main school but try to integrate as much as possible.

 

I'm not sure how able your son is academically? If he is high functioning then you'll want to be sure that the school can cater for him academically. My son's school does have pupils sitting a number of GCSEs, but they are in the minority.

 

HTH

Carol

This sounds similar to the school I am looking at for my son.Its a new school and caters for all disabilities,but everything is separated,they come together for assemblies and other important events it looks like a little community,they have various training for adults(with or without disabilities) They also have separate ASD units with just max of 7 kids per yr!!!

[Carrera74]

He's higher functioning ASD and is a bright lad. If the right support is in place he does brilliantly but unfortunately he's not had this support for the last 18 months so has gone back to the level he was in year 6 (he's year 8 now).

[Kazzen161]

MLD is for moderate learning difficulties (as opposed to severe LD). You need to check what GSCEs are on offer (often only things like art) and what grades the children get (often only Ds). Also ask what their Yr 11 children go on to do (often stay in MLD provision or do a special needs course at college). Check what levels their KS3/4 children are working at (my son was already working at a much higher level than their Yr 11 pupils).

 

If they have expertise in ASD and you are not too worried about GCSEs, then it might be OK, but I have seen many MLD schools and they do vary (even within the same LA).

 

It may be better to look at more specialist schools that have expertise in ASD and can offer an appropriate level of education.

[Carrera74]

Thanks everyone.

 

The MLD school we were told to visit said their school is not the right one for him. It's a lovely school and DS liked it but he is already at the level they hope their children leave at. It wouldn't stretch him at all all and although he said he is happy to repeat work there he would get bored I'm sure and the downward spiral would happen again as he isn't being stretched.

 

I have requested an independent placement at a local school that has an ASD unit attached. The main school is mainly ASD too but they have a unit for those that are struggling in the main classroom. I think it would be perfect but I don't know what will happen now. The panel told us last month to visit 3 separate LA schools before they would consider an independent placement and all have come back and said they are not suitable. I hope that they agree with our choice but it's costly so I imagine they'll think of something else for us to try!

Edited July 12, 2010 by Carrera74