Help! No mention of TA on Provision section of new EHCP

[pinktoothbrush]

Hi All,
Just going through the draft EHCP for DS1 and on the Provision section there is is no mention of Support from a Teaching Assistant. It's all really v vague. He's had band d (?) on his statement for 5 years which equated to about 15hr of 1:1 although he has virtually full-time TA at the moment. ASD btw.
I'm worried that no mention of a TA or TA Support will mean that he won't get one.
And all the resources are 'delegated and devolved funding already in school budget' - doesn't this mean he is no longer getting any extra funding?
Feels like a con - please help! Thanks.

[kojackscat]

i am no expert, but it sounds to me like they are saying the school has the money, and its up to the school, rather than the council how to spend it. That, to me, is not what an EHCP should be.
As far as I am concerned, if its not mentioned in the provision section, you will not be able to insist he gets it.
Id ask for a meeting with the LA for them to explain it to you. And you can ask for changes if you are not happy.

[Icimoi]

Refer them to page 166 of the code of practice where it sets out what should be in section F and makes it very clear that provision should be detailed and specified.

They shouldn't really be referring to funding arrangements at all in the EHC Plan: the point is that it is their responsibility to ensure that your DS gets the help he needs and funding arrangements are purely a matter between them and the school and nothing to do with you.

[bedelia]

Hello Pink, sorry I'm no expert on this either but didn't want to read and run.

Is this a transfer from Statement to EHCP? Have DS's needs changed at all (as in, do you think he needs less support than in previous statements)?

Provision in EHCP's should be "specified and quantified" - as Kojack explained, DS won't be entitled to any additional help unless it is specified in the provision section. It makes me wonder if the LA is hoping to save money, by not specifying and quantifying provision they are under no obligation to provide top-up funding to school.

I'd take a look at this EHCP guide from IPSEA to see what your draft should contain in order (which would make sure it's legally binding and enforcable) before attending any meeting with the LA. IPSEA or SOS!SEN might be able to offer advice too.

[pinktoothbrush]

Thanks so much for your replies. I will definitely take a look at the guides that you suggested.
It's a transfer from a Statement and I'd say he needs the same amount of help as ever.
The provision section on the new EHCP is very detailed so I think that is good. I was worried about the lack of any mention of a TA but on reflection as he moves to Secondary, I think that being very specific about his requirements is the way forward.
Fingers crossed! Thanks.