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EHC assessment week 11 - argh the not knowing....

11 replies

tartanterror · 17/02/2017 22:16

Sorry I just need to let off steam really! Anyone with words of wisdom?
I am trying not to get ahead of myself.

DS is 8, ASD diagnosis (aspergers) in mainstream primary. Pretty severe eating problems which is the main reason he has a diagnosis at this age. School haven't seen his difficulties - either before or after diagnosis.

It's always been "no you won't get an EHCP" "too able for EHCP" "his issues are mild" etc etc. But I thought "yeah well you try walking a mile in my shoes mate!" and applied myself ........and lo..... the LA agreed to assess. Smile The school are shocked - well I was a bit surprised TBH!

Agree to Assess came at right on time at 6 weeks. We've spent 5 weeks waiting for reports (we supplied a lot of info so thing it is only the LA EP doing one) and their deadline is next week. The LA seem to be efficient and proceeding on schedule.

Now our case handler has been saying things like "when we start drafting" and looking ahead to "the co-oproduction stage"...... now that we are getting closer I am wondering if it could really be possible that DS will get some proper help?!

I'm excited that an EHCP is so close - and scared that is still might not happen! [Confused]. We've had a hideous 3 years where things have been really hard going.... Now that things are looking up, how do I keep my cool for the next 4-6 weeks?

OP posts:
vjg13 · 18/02/2017 17:57

Has the EP assessed your son yet? You should be approached by the EP to give your own account of your child's needs.

tartanterror · 18/02/2017 18:48

Thanks - I think reports were being gathered and I'm assuming the next stage will be the EP. I didn't realise that the EP spoke to us as well as DS. Maybe I will ask on Monday - I've got to email about something else....

OP posts:
vjg13 · 18/02/2017 20:18

What other reports have the LEA asked for?

tartanterror · 19/02/2017 14:39

I don't think they have been in touch with any of our professionals.... I sent them reports from the last 12 months from: Paed/Diagnosis; SALT Education advice, Sensory OT, GOSH feeding advice - plus separate letters supporting EHCP from GOSH, CAMHS & SALT. The only thing the LA need to get is the EP.....

OP posts:
tartanterror · 19/02/2017 14:41

Sorry to explain - when I mean "reports being gathered" I was sending in the child and parent forms; plus I sent in letters and advice which we have requested since we put in the original EHC request.

OP posts:
youarenotkiddingme · 20/02/2017 21:13

Nothing to add but hand holding as I'm also on the 'wait' as they assess stage.

I've already received a copy of EP report and pulled them up on it not being specific. I also requested OT report to assess best way to record info - afaik they haven't done this.

I've sent in all reports though. What I'm going to do is make a note myself of interventions needed so when they've finished I can cross reference it all. Then I have specific questions that can be asked. E.g. - it says ds needs this sensory input. Who is trained to deliver it, what equipment have you got and what needs purchasing and how often are you arranging review of this.

I'm working on theory that if I ask specific questions they will have to specify support!

Good luck Wine

Userone1 · 21/02/2017 08:21

No mainstream school have ever backed my request for assessment, in fact they have done quite the opposite! Similar comments to your experience 'too able', witnesses for the LA at Tribunals, no understanding of ds whatsoever etc, etc.

Ds now attends a specialist school, has an EHCP and is thriving for once, instead of coping.

Good luck

tartanterror · 21/02/2017 23:40

Thanks Youare - good luck with your wait too!

UserOne what sort of specialist school is your DS in?

OP posts:
youarenotkiddingme · 22/02/2017 07:14

That's an excellent point about thriving rather than coping.

Userone1 · 22/02/2017 07:48

Indi specialist school for hfa and dyslexia.

mochalight · 22/02/2017 13:06

Hiya I'm in the same boat. The coordinator said she has started drafting and looks forward to meeting me that kind of thing. I don't know how to describe my feeling! Part of me still worry it may not happen at the end, and loads of other worries too - what if I'm not happy with the content and provisions, and having read another thread I realise LA can name a different school without consulting me if the one I prefer refuses (I probably will start a new thread asking about that) ... the list can go on.

Good luck to both of us WineFlowers

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