posting here for traffic and could do with some wise words re next steps:
- child has complex needs. mainstream placement broke down last autumn, since then not in school as mainstream won't allow them in as they cannot meet need.
- did parental EHCP request and that sailed through initially. We had a very detailed EP report making a clear case for a specialist setting (class sizes of max 5 etc) and LA agreed to issue. Plan due in Feb.
- multiple schools were consulted, all specialist settings. Only one said they can meet need. It's an independent setting and £££.
- case went to panel and it was decided that the placement is an 'efficient use of public resources' or word to that effect. Plan not finalised, and no alternatives offered and impossible to get hold of anyone in the LA. Emails ignored, phone calls not returned.
- Sent IPSEA template email about failure to finalise and threat of JR to all people with power in the EHCP team, to the directors of education and children's services and gave them a week to respond and to finalise. I also contacted my MP and the local councillor for education.
Not a single response, not even an acknowledgement of my email. Of course, no final plan either.
Anyone dealt with someone like that? I am so fed up by these people in the LA who think they are above the law. I am so worn down by it all. It's hugely stressful having a child excluded for education for so long. The EHCP is almost 3 months overdue and nobody cares. Anyone been in a similar situation. Is there anything else we can try or do we really need the solicitors for a JR (Sossen have a wait and we are on a tight time line with only very few places left in the school who offered us a place so would probably have to fund it for speed). If anyone has any other ideas please hit me. I will not go to the press or so before anyone suggests that. Not for me, nor for my child.