Parental request for an EHCP

[ruthsmaoui77]

Hi all, I had a really positive meeting with my son's Year 5 Teacher/ TA/ SENCO and an advisor from the Autism Support Team. We all agree that my year 5 son who has high functioning Autism needs an EHCP plan before secondary. All the professionals involved felt it was best for me to make the initial request for an EHCP Needs Assessment which I don't mind doing. I made a request just over 2 years ago for my younger son and after an initial refusal he was granted 25 Hours support. I know I have been through this before but I can't seem to find the same advice online as I did last time. I was just wondering if any of you have any advice of what I should write in the letter. Obviously I know I should state exactly what his difficulties are and what the school have done so far to meet them. I need to explain why I believe he needs an EHCP. Have I covered everything?
Thanks all

[ruthsmaoui77]

Thanks for your response zzzzz. I hadn't realised that. Last time I sent the letter with all my reasons on it and they never sent me any forms to fill in or asked me to provide supporting evidence. They just contacted the school for the evidence. Thanks again.

[ChowNowBrownCow]

I recently done mine. First I wrote a letter, which they ignored. So I had to fill in their form and send it to them. timescales were counted from when they received the form. Good luck.

[2boysnamedR]

Try the ipsea and SOS Sen websites for model letters

[ruthsmaoui77]

Thank you to everyone who replied. I have spent all day composing a very detailed letter (5 pages long) explaining what his needs are and why I feel he needs an EHC needs assessment. I have just emailed it to the LA. I have asked them to acknowledge receipt of the request and let me know if I have to complete any forms. Fingers crossed this is the start of something good, although I have to admit I feel completely exhausted physically and emotionally after that! Thanks again x

[Ineedapiginblanket]

I am curious as to why they wanted you to apply?

I did a parental request on the recommendation of a senco so I am not saying you shouldnt do it but I just wonder why they are offloading that onto you!

[ruthsmaoui77]

Thank you zzzz. On the LA website it states that you should make the request by writing a letter. You can post it or email it. So hopefully that's correct. I do intend to call them tomorrow, just to make sure. I wanted to get my thoughts in order today and writing the letter certainly helped with that.

Ineed - The SENCO advised that I should make the request because she feels it has 'more weight' (her words) and is more likely to be accepted. I have heard such conflicting advice on this. The school have assured me that they fully support me and will provide all evidence when asked by the LA.

It's done now and I feel more relieved.

[Ineedapiginblanket]

I am not sure about that! Its good that they are going to support you though! I hope they stay true to their words.
Just remember if the request doesnt go through you need to appeal! Dont walk away!

Good luck

[ruthsmaoui77]

Thanks Ineed. I can't walk away. This is just too important. My son needs this EHCP before secondary otherwise he will never cope. I'm ready for a fight because I have already been told that he may not get one because he is about average at school, however he is really struggling socially and emotionally and has been given 3 fixed term exclusions already (he is only 9). Thanks for the luck. I think I am going to need it. I'm sure I will be back here getting more advice. You have all helped me so much already. It's so nice to know I am not alone anymore.

[Ineedapiginblanket]

Nope you are never alone on here!

My Dd3 didnt cope at secondary, you are right to fight for your boy!

I am slightly concerned as to the reasons for asking you to do the request but it doesnt really matter!

The school need to have gathered some evidence to back up your request but fingers crossed they have!

The figures came out this week for the number of parents who won tribunals last yr, it was 86% and we reckon the ones who lost were probably asking for expensive independent settings so dont worry you should be fine !

The best thing is you have started nice and early so you have time to sort it out even if you do have a battle on your hands!

Pace yourself

[2boysnamedR]

My son is national ciriculum and IQ adverage. I still won all my appeals. I can be done

[2boysnamedR]

*it can be done

[Ineedapiginblanket]

Yep, Dd3 was above average according to school but not according to the independent EP's who assessed her during our battles!

She is an academically able child with social, emotional and anxiety issues relalted to her Asd!

The Judge and panel were on our side at both our tribunals!

[ruthsmaoui77]

Wow! Those statistics and just knowing that people have won gives me the strength and hope I need to continue. I can't say it enough, thank you all so much.

[ruthsmaoui77]

The LA have just acknowledged receipt of my email. They said they would let me know their decision in 6 weeks. Fingers crossed.

[ruthsmaoui77]

No, it wasn't requested. The LA said they would be in contact with the school for these documents. I only have the report stating his ASD diagnosis. The EP is coming to school to assess him in January.

[ruthsmaoui77]

I am expecting the LA to say no at first, just like they did with my younger son (2 years ago). Then I wrote another letter appealing the decision and they agreed to assess. He was given 25 hours support. Thankfully it didn't take too long either. I applied in January and he had the support in place the following September. The difference it has made is amazing.

Your way makes more sense though (send in all evidence at the start), but where I am they just ask for a letter requesting an assessment and then they contact the school / relevant professionals.