He was accepted at the Anderson, the National Autistic Society's (NAS) flagship school https://www.autism.org.uk/andersonschool/
We were amazed at Raffy's thoughtful and assertive answers at the interview.. "What do you do Raffy when something happens that you don't like?" R: "I discuss it with my mum and we try to make a deal!"
The staff are supportive and enthusiastic and run the mainstream academic timetable in a purpose built, sensitively designed building. Lots of light and wide airy corridors. Classrooms all have access to a grassy inner courtyard so the kids can easily be outside when they need a break.
The academic are mainstream. Raffy needs to catch up with his learning and has a brilliant teacher to help him up to key stage 3 level. The important thing is that he loves learning and is excited to go to school. He's even wearing sandals every day and a school uniform. It's been a massive (literal!) step up.
Raffy is growing up!