Not sure how to move forward

[Doryhunky]

My DS has mild to moderate hearing loss, very slow processing, working memory problems and auditory memory problems. He is currently being educated in the year below because he deferred reception due to speech problems. It seems his SEN is not considered bad enough for an ECHP but I am being pressured to make him miss a year of school and move him up. I would like to get an E P report. How do I find a good one?

[Doryhunky]

Anyone?

[twoyears]

I'm sorry that you haven't had a reply yet.

I can't suggest an EP, and it wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment on whether your son should move up.

However, I do have experience in working with pupils who have slow processing and working memory problems and I would be happy to discuss what your son can do and just maybe suggest some ways forward. If you're interested, pm me.

If nothing else, this post might get you the response you'd like!

[Ellie56]

Who says his SEN is not considered "bad enough for an EHCP"?

You should apply for an EHC Needs assessment yourself and an assessment by an EP should form part of it.Info here:

www.ipsea.org.uk/ehc-needs-assessments

[Doryhunky]

His SALT indicAted he would not get one and the school said it would be difficult to get one because they would be able to meet his needs. But I am not sure they have really thought about his needs.

[Ellie56]

I wouldn't accept what they say. Before the school can say whether or not they can meet needs there needs to be a full assessment of his needs.
If he has slow processing and poor working memory he will find it difficult to keep up in a mainstream class without the right level of support.

This will only be determined if you apply for an EHC needs assessment. And be prepared to fight for it. Most LAs seem to turn down initial requests for assessments and then back down on appeal. 😡

[Foxesandsquirrels]

I think an EHC assessment is a perfect thing in this situation. The school are not meeting his needs and presumably have tried everything but you are being pressured into doing something you're not comfortable with.
He also doesn't have a comprehensive assessment. What the school and salt are saying isnt necessarily true or false. Its just impossible to say without him having a full assessment by a salt and ep and whoever else you deem necessary. I would strongly recommend you apply for the EHC assessment, you will likely get declined but appeals are on paper and are more often than not won. This will give you a comprehensive assessment of his needs. If the LA decide to not issue a plan, you can appeal that too and even if you don't get it, you at least will have a good idea of what is actually wrong and what can be used to support him.