Writing a parental statement to request school transfer

[micku5]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help or point me in the right direction. I am currently in the process of trying to get dd2 moved to an Independent special school. The LEA have advised that we need to do her annual review earlier and get the paperwork ready before her EP assessment is done.

The independent school have done a report detailing how they can support dd2 and are just waiting for me to tell them when they can send it.

My question is 'do I get a chance to write a statement saying why I want her moved and why I want a particular school?' and is there a template I can follow?

I want the LEA to fund her and i have done some research into the costs of mainstream vs specialist (LEA school) vs independent.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

It varies by LA, but often you will have to prove that the current placement is not meeting her needs.

YOU might know that costs are similar (are they?) but the LA will see the fact that they are already committed to funding her current school and will do so whether she attends or not, so they'll see the independent school costs as an addition, not an instead iyswim.

[fasparent]

Would seek 3rd party advice try your local parent partnership org. may work with you will be experienced in this area.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

Parent Partnership aren't 3rd party.

They often work from the same office as the LA workers and tend to tow the party line ime.

[BigBird69]

Hello. I am going through much the same thing as you right now. My son is hemiplegic, with speech and learing difficulties. He is seven (eight in July). We are presently in the process of having him statemented (assessment deadline yesterday!) We would like him to go to an independent (non maintained) special educational needs school. He has trialled there with great success and been offered a place but subject to it being the named school on the statement. You say you found out comparative costs for maintained schools? How? I can't find anything published by the local authority detailing any of this? Any info would be great! Thanks and good luck! x