Perfect specialist school

[sweetteamum]

I've found dd, 11 the most perfect specialist school and its local too (so no transport needs). They can meet her needs, they have on site SALT & OT. They have small class sizes and the children are able to be themselves. There's just 1 large problem. It's a non-maintained specialist school.

The family liaison person told me we will no doubt have to fight to get them named, but its not impossible.

How on earth do I get the lea to agree such a provision is the best opportunity. The two other maintained specialist schools may be recommended but the children aren't as "able" or capable as dd (hate using that term but can't think of the right word)

Any helpful advice or pushing me in the right direction is much appreciated or if you want to make me see sense and realise I'm just dreaming then please tell me.

[Ineedalife]

Hi sweetea, It is really positive news that you have found this school in your area. I think you will have to go all out and fight for it.

You might need to re phrase your question to attract the people who know about the legal side of things.

Maybe you could post something about "how to fight the LA for an independent school place"

I am sure you will come up with something

[ouryve]

I have this situation ahead of me for pretty similar reasons. What you need to do is give evidence as to why the LA schools aren't suitable for your DD, why mainstream is not suitable and why the non-maintained school can provide what she needs better than any of their offerings.

Good luck!

[sweetteamum]

Thank you both.

I can't really use the reasons I've already said here as I'm not comfortable using someone's looks as a reason.

However, the ind school only have children with a specific dx and all have mixed ability children. The lea educational psychologist actually told me that they don't have any appropriate schools in the area for dd as her levels are too high and the local specialist would not suit her needs - now I'm more than happy to repeat that :)

[Scottishdancer]

We are in the same situation as you and have a tribunal date for the end of March. We have been told by our solicitor that we need a school for a specific learning disability not a general learning disability which is what a special school is for, and the same as you that his levels are too high. Also there needs to be peers on the same level of communication and social abilities for him to be able to make friends.

[mycarscallednev]

This is a situation we are in - we have proven that 9 local mainstream are unable/unwilling to take our son - but this still isn't good enough for our LA - despite when asked for help they told me 'finding you a school isn't in our remit' - they left it all to us - and now are going to fight against the only school in our area who can care and educate him.
It's a minefield.

[cornycarrotshack]

We did this and ds is now in ind ss.
You have to make a case that makes it clear that the ind ss is the only place that can meet dd's needs.
Look at the ss's prospectus for info about what they offer and what qualifications and training the staff have.
I can pm you with some more info if you like.

[mymatemax]

LA wont fund a school outside of LEA funded control because the school BEST meets a child needs, they will only fund a school if there isnt a school within their control that CAN meet here needs.
The gap is really your interpretation of meeting her needs & LA's interpretaion of meeting her needs.
So you will need to prove that anything other than the independant school will have a negative impact on her education & would fail her.
Have you got a copy of the SEN code of practice, learn any relevant sections inside out & use their language when arguing a point.

[sweetteamum]

Thank you all. I completely agree and am still going to view these other schools to see for myself.

The other schools have people with more severe learning needs (which i just found out today) and those with disabilities that make them look or act different - my dd and her anxiety will not be able to cope with this as she would find it extremely lonely, would make her worry constantly and she's not good at coping with noises, whereas the ind ss caters with children on the spectrum, therefore it was not strange to see them walking round with ear defenders on.

I realise there is more to it than this but I definitely could make a good case. Tbh if the other special schools were appropriate I will also fight for them also. I know that dd has to fit into and setting that's already in place and will research it. I just don't like how people keep telling me that she won't suit the lea maintained ss as she doesn't look disabled and the children who go there now are clearly obvious cases.

[sweetteamum]

Cornycarrot, I'd really appreciate a pm and tried to send you one but my phone isn't letting me :(

[cornycarrotshack]

I'll pm you sweet tea