EP report to support secondary school admission?

[MrsZebra]

Hi Everyone
I'm a bit lost and would be so grateful for any advice. I have a very dyslexic son who is going into Y6 at a private school. He has a private EP report which details his needs and he qualifies for extra time etc. We moved him at the start of Y4 because of his SEN (from our local primary) and with learning support, he has made amazing progress.
We need to start applying to secondaries and we would like him to go to our 'outstanding' local state secondary for Sept 2019. It has fantastic teaching and SEN provision. A friend's dyslexic DD thrived there.
Unfortunately, although we are in catchment, we are probably going to miss out on a place because it's so oversubscribed (our neighbour's DS missed out this year by 300m!).
However, children with a statement of special needs naming the school are given first priority, so I was hoping this could work in his favour. Will his existing EP report be enough or do I need something from the Local Authority as well? If so, how would I get this arranged if he's at a private school?
Thanks to anyone who could advise me.

[Haveasay]

Having a report from an EP does not have the same weight as an EHCP ( previously
Statement) when applying for a school.
If you have evidence of a possible special educational need which requires more support than is usually available at a mainstream school do you have sufficient evidence to request an EHCP need assessment? You could make a parental request.

[Guienne]

I take it he doesn't have an EHCP now? If not, you can apply, but it will take at least 20 weeks and potentially much longer if you have to appeal against refusal to assess or refusal to issue an EHCP.

[MrsZebra]

Thanks everyone for your help. Think I've left it a bit late for an EHCP. Perhaps we will be lucky with distance 🤞

[tartanterror]

It’s probably correct that you’ve left it too late for an EHCP but admissions arrangements may allow for some wriggle room for your case.

You need to look for the social and emotional clause in your LA/school admissions criteria..... It’s usually after EHCP and looked after children but before sibling & distance criteria(?). It usually requires a letter from a social worker or psychologist to say that your child has a need which is best met by your chosen school above others....

Check carefully what the clause says. What evidence is required to meet the clause? How could you get it?

Read your existing EP report carefully to see what it says. Is it recommended in writing that you have to change schools? or that your child needs specific help that only your chosen school could provide? Or could you get a supplementary letter to say this school is the best school/provision to meet the needs?

As you’ve moved schools and had a big improvement in academic results you have great evidence that with the correct support your child can do well. This should be a key part of your evidence so maybe consider including school reports from old and new schools.

If it were me I’d proceed on 2 fronts. I’d do both in a hurry as time is not on your side.

1. Go back to the private EP and pay for a supplementary letter which meets the admissions criteria. Make sure they understand the right criteria that they are working to. Definitely speak to the LA Admissions dept beforehand to get specific guidance on what they will accept and get the EP to do the same.
   

1. As you’re trying to get back into the state system, be aware that private reports are viewed with some suspicion. So I’d aim to get an LA letter as well - it may be difficult... I’m not sure the best place to get this though so ask various places for advice (preferred school SENCO, LA SEN Team, LA EP department, LA Admissions etc). Ask your current school if they can write a letter to get access to the LA EP team? Be aware that many of the people you’ll speak to might not have a detailed knowledge of the entry criteria and you’ll have to be really on the ball to get what you need. Be prepared to go back with requests for revisions if you get a letter that’s not going to tick the admissions box.
   

Good luck