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Original poster

need help with school (Sen issue)

35 replies

helpwithschool · 09/02/2025 17:41

I don't have much support in real life. Hopefully someone can give me some pointers.

DS is in y9. currently in a PRU whilst we wait for the EHCP to get finalised. He is super bright (ASD with a host of MH challenges) in a small academic setting. Draft plan came through and his mainstream school has said they cannot meet need. We consulted with a few specialist settings (LA, independent, within LA and outside LA) and the response was that either they cannot meet need or they are full). I am trying to get in contact with the EHCP team which is impossible but just wondered what happens now if mainstream cannot meet need and all other alternatives in the area are full?

I haven't seen the final plan yet. so no clue what the LA is planning on doing in terms of naming a school. Can anyone give me any pointers what could/should happen in this scenario?

Home schooling/EOTAS isn't really an option as I cannot afford to give up work.

OP posts:
2025NewUserName · 09/02/2025 18:55

AlertCat · 09/02/2025 18:51

If the settings would be compromising the needs of their existing learners by taking him, I don’t think they can be forced to. It may end up being EOTAS at least in the short term. Could you work from home or get a sabbatical or something if necessary? He might be entitled to PIP and you to carers’ allowance, UC and possibly other benefits if you are forced out of work.

The settings would have to prove the addition of one more child would seriously disrupt the education of others (to a below satisfactory level) and that there are no reasonable adjustments which could be made to avoid this disruption. They have to show it would harm the education of real children who already attend and not just a theoretical level of potential disruption.

At under 16 it would be Disability Living Allowance to claim rather than PIP.

Original poster
helpwithschool · 09/02/2025 18:53

AlertCat · 09/02/2025 18:51

If the settings would be compromising the needs of their existing learners by taking him, I don’t think they can be forced to. It may end up being EOTAS at least in the short term. Could you work from home or get a sabbatical or something if necessary? He might be entitled to PIP and you to carers’ allowance, UC and possibly other benefits if you are forced out of work.

we are getting DLA but it's largely spend on DS (therapy). I cannot afford carers allowance. Do parents have to be in the house when tutors come? My line of work isn't suitable for WFH.

OP posts:
AlertCat · 09/02/2025 18:51

If the settings would be compromising the needs of their existing learners by taking him, I don’t think they can be forced to. It may end up being EOTAS at least in the short term. Could you work from home or get a sabbatical or something if necessary? He might be entitled to PIP and you to carers’ allowance, UC and possibly other benefits if you are forced out of work.

Octavia64 · 09/02/2025 18:46

LA direct a school to take him.

I've been out of teaching for a while but it happened pretty frequently, certainly to us.

2025NewUserName · 09/02/2025 18:35

helpwithschool · 09/02/2025 18:00

Yes, LA and independent Found four. All of them say they are full and cannot admit for that reason (guess it boils down to the facts that it's incompatible with the education of others which I get as one of the USP are very small class sizes). I could appeal but waiting time is a year. what happens in between? Will DS just be out of school (and I out of work as a result)?

Show quote history

Technically in the meantime the LA should provide full time alternative provision (e.g. tutors, PRU, other settings) but sadly many parents have to give up work in reality.

2025NewUserName · 09/02/2025 18:33

The LA are able to force most types of schools (except most independent schools) to take a child. It's called naming and directing. Unless an independent school, being 'full' is not an automatic reason to refuse to admit a child.

Take a look at the following information: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/choosing-a-schoolcollege-with-an-ehc-plan

Do you have a school you'd prefer him to go to? Parental preference does matter and the thresholds for schools (particularly state mainstream) not to take children are really high. In my experience many schools say 'no' as a knee jerk response but the LA can challenge it.

Original poster
helpwithschool · 09/02/2025 18:00

Bluevelvetsofa · 09/02/2025 17:57

Is there a setting that you think will be suitable? I think, unless it’s a wholly private school, the LA can name it in the EHCP.

Yes, LA and independent Found four. All of them say they are full and cannot admit for that reason (guess it boils down to the facts that it's incompatible with the education of others which I get as one of the USP are very small class sizes). I could appeal but waiting time is a year. what happens in between? Will DS just be out of school (and I out of work as a result)?

OP posts:
Bluevelvetsofa · 09/02/2025 17:57

Is there a setting that you think will be suitable? I think, unless it’s a wholly private school, the LA can name it in the EHCP.

Original poster
helpwithschool · 09/02/2025 17:56

southenglandartist · 09/02/2025 17:52

Potentially the LA will place him in the school that meets his needs most closely, even if that school has said they don't feel they can meet needs. This happens quite regularly with my school unfortunately- sometimes the school can support to a point, sometimes the match between school and student isn't good. There isn't enough provision anywhere! So underfunded it's ridiculous 🙁

I didn't realise they can place them in a school that responds to a consultation with cannot meet need 😱. The previous MS setting was so traumatising, that he tried to commit suicide twice.

OP posts:
southenglandartist · 09/02/2025 17:52

Potentially the LA will place him in the school that meets his needs most closely, even if that school has said they don't feel they can meet needs. This happens quite regularly with my school unfortunately- sometimes the school can support to a point, sometimes the match between school and student isn't good. There isn't enough provision anywhere! So underfunded it's ridiculous 🙁