How to apply for a place at sn school ( dd is in MS )??

[Endler32]

We applied for a place at a local sn school for dd in reception and was turned down, she's now in year 4 in MS, we were hoping she would complete MS primary and then go to sn high school but due to many problems I feel the time has come to move her. I know the school will not back me on this decision and I'm sure ed psych will also disagree. The only sn school near by takes children with moderate to severe LD's. Dd has ASD but is considered high functioning as she is hitting targets academically, she has severe sensory issues, poor social skills and as she is getting older she is getting bullied and taken advantage of. We have looked around the sn school before and they feel they can meet her needs even though all the other children have some form of LD.

Where do we go from here, who do I need to contact to start the ball rolling to get this to panel?

[fairgame]

You need to prove that your dd's needs cannot be met in mainstream in order to get a ss placement.
You need to ask for the statement to be amended at her annual review (or call an early review) to change the type and name of school in part 4. It's usually better to change parts 2 and 3 at the same time to show that her needs have changed to warrant a ss placement. You might need to consider getting independent assessments from an educational psychologist and occupational therapist to provide evidence that she needs a ss. The la will probably refuse to amend part 4 and give you the right to appeal.
It's up to you to show ms cannot meet her needs and that she needs ss while the la will need to prove that ms can meet all of her needs.
A good educational psychologist report goes a long way in my experience.
IPSEA and the national autistic society have advice lines if you want to discuss your case in detail.

[senvet]

NAS education right service is on 0808 800 4102. They allocate you a trained volunteer.

Also keep a diary of all the things dc does which make her different from the majority. Examples can really help.

If you are entitled to legal aid, then it may pay for expert reports - contact one of the big SEN firms like Maxwelll Gillot.

If you live in Kent try the Bedgebury Foundation. They will also look at Sussex.

Or the ss you are looking at may be prepared to do some assessments if they have the experts in house.

Hope this helps

[Endler32]

Statement review isn't until June so that will be too late to get her a place for September. I need to start the ball rolling now , I will speak to the school but I'm not sure if they will back me as it will suggest they have failed her ( which they have several times and are continuing to do so ).

[Firsttheyignoreyou]

As Fairgame says, you can call annual review early - your reason is: mainstream is not meeting need. Then, if everyone isn't in agreement, you appeal: their refusal to amend statement.

[Endler32]

Thank you, basically dd is being bullied and the teachers idea of solving this is by removing my dd from the room. Last year dd went missing from a PE lesson, se was meant to have a TA with her but school tried telling me that TA had gone to the loo, this was not true and the admitted there was no TA, since then she has got out of school several times just before pick up time ( luckily I was in the playground early so I spotted her running out ), school have promised so many things and have not followed through with most of them, this includes a lap top which was meant to be supplied using extra funding they received. Her statement is not being met, there have been so many incidents where TA should have been with her and obviously TA was busy doing other things, a few days before half term she cut her hair during a lesson ( I know this isn't a biggy but where was her TA? ).

Every time I approach the school they lie and cover things up, when ever I get anyone else involved school put on a show for them pulling out all the stops and making out everything is in place ( because no one can just turn up to observe without an appointment the school have time to cover things up ). Dd is being failed big time but due to her being academically able and there being no school that caters for HFA they feel she has to stay in MS.

[WhyDoesEveryoneHateMe]

I think the first step would to put all incidents and concerns in writing, if they aren't slready.o one big fuck you letter asking them to up their game. Then follow up their promises, show they aren't meeting them. Then call an early annual review?

[Endler32]

I have sent a letter in with dd today, mainly to highlight 'inclusion' and to say that 'what's going on is not expectable', I thought I would get a phone call as this is usually what happens, so far I have heard nothing but it's only 10am, ideally I would like a reply in writing as then I will have proof of what they are saying they will or won't do.

[ouryve]

We did this with DS1 when he was in year 4, pretty much exactly as fairgame outlined. The school we wanted for DS1 was non-maintained, though, so had an even bigger fight than if we'd asked for a community SS. It took pretty much exactly a year from AR to starting at the school - and that was with the LA conceding before we got to tribunal.

As you are due to start the secondary transition process by this time next year, anyhow (and possibly also due to transfer from a statement to EHCP) it would be beneficial for you to also explore reasons why your DD would benefit from transition out of mainstream before year 7.

Don't just look at the school you have your eye on, either, as the LA wil undoubtedly have other ideas. You might also be pleasantly surprised. Also, if you do look at non-maintained or independent options, but you really want the local SS, if might focus the LA a little.

[ouryve]

Also look at secondaries with ASD units. This won't help your DD now, but at least you'll know what's there and your LA might push towards a temporary arrangement for the end of primary, but want her in in one of the units/resources/bases/provisions or whatever the buzzword is in your LA.

And if your LA have no provision for academically able children with ASD, have a look at what neighbouring LAs have. Your DD is entitled to an education that meets her needs and if your LA, like many, haven't planned for kids with needs like your DD, you're within your rights to point them towards somewhere that has.

[ouryve]

Also might help to casually mention the equality act to her current school and that you don't want to get to a point where you have to submit to SENDIST on the grounds of disability discrimination.

[Endler32]

Thank you Ouryve,
The sn school has a ASD unit which works alongside the high school so she can access GCSE's, they just don't usually take high functioning kids until high school age, we were hoping to get her through primary and then send her to the sn school/ASD unit. I know if we try and get her a place now we will be met with the 'but she doesn't have LD's' argument from LEA. She is academically able but tbh what use is this if you have not social skills? I feel she will get more out of being at a sn school, she will learn life skills, she can access music lessons ( she loves music ) and there will be people on site to help with social skills and communication skills. She won't stand out like a sore thumb and attract bullies.
I'm going to approach the school and suggest her statement review is brought forward ASAP and ask them to cooperate in admitting her needs are not being met in MS.

[Endler32]

Sadly there's not a choice of sn schools, this is the only one within a hours distance to our house, there are no schools close buy suitable for a child with HFA and this is the only one that will eventually give her access to GCSE's.