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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to seek a specialist post-16 placement over mainstream?

32 replies

TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 17:48

The la …Placement for post 16, they want him to go to a mainstream and we want specialist

School gave wrote a very very detailed witness statement saying how much support he needs

Would
Anyone be willing to read through it . Please? It’s so upsetting but maybe what I need for my son to get in specialist? Maybe. ?
Eeeek

Thank you

OP posts:
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PieLoe · 17/07/2026 12:29

@TheOpalFoxHow are you getting on OP?

scoopofmintchocchipicecream · 01/06/2026 21:41

If you haven’t already, I really would go back to read your other threads. That will help you. You were advised on at least one of those to also appeal B&F. Also read IPSEA and SOSSEN’s websites to start to understand more.

You can submit a SEND7 to request to widen the appeal to cover B&F too. Don’t forget to seek the LA’s views first.

The problem with not appealing B&F as well as I is that they will need improving. Also, the placement named in section I is the logical conclusion of B&F. B+F=I. If B&F are poor, it increases the chances of your preferred placement not being named.

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 21:32

scoopofmintchocchipicecream · 01/06/2026 21:21

So did you appeal B&F or not?

Yes, EP, SALT and OT assessments would help. Yes, EPs are busy and can take perseverance, but it is possible to secure an assessment prior to a phase transfer hearing.

No I didn’t think I had to :( I don’t understand the whole process unfortunately xx

OP posts:
scoopofmintchocchipicecream · 01/06/2026 21:21

So did you appeal B&F or not?

Yes, EP, SALT and OT assessments would help. Yes, EPs are busy and can take perseverance, but it is possible to secure an assessment prior to a phase transfer hearing.

PieLoe · 01/06/2026 21:18

I know EP ones are a very long wait. An OT might help but not entirely sure, someone else might enlighten you. Let’s see?
Could u pay privately for OT one if it meant it would be quicker if someone with more experience says go for it? By the way it’s not you who has let your boy down. It’s the system. It’s very difficult.

It’s sad that he’s now 16 nearly and you still have a battle. Similar here by the way.

Don’t blame yourself. Not your fault.

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 19:45

PieLoe · 01/06/2026 19:43

That’s excellent then. I really hope things will work out. Crossing fingers. Let us know how you get on.

ps I’m sorry re the EHCP not being updated. It’s hard unless you’re told. Really hard situation especially if you’ve never had experience of it before. It’s a very difficult long road! Thank goodness it lasts until 25.

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Yeah but I felt like his needs were okay in the sections but now I’m not sure post 16 etc as they were adamant he would get his chosen provision and because he didn’t we are in tribunal and it’s made me worry! But what assessment could he have to update his needs ? An ep one or ot or something? School haven’t resllt
been supportive either and it’s been a constant battle with them recently :( I just hope I haven’t let my boy down. Xx

OP posts:
PieLoe · 01/06/2026 19:43

TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 19:23

Yes send Iass are coming and are supporting me

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That’s excellent then. I really hope things will work out. Crossing fingers. Let us know how you get on.

ps I’m sorry re the EHCP not being updated. It’s hard unless you’re told. Really hard situation especially if you’ve never had experience of it before. It’s a very difficult long road! Thank goodness it lasts until 25.

scoopofmintchocchipicecream · 01/06/2026 19:41

Did you appeal B&F as well as I?

SilverBlue4 · 01/06/2026 19:30

TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 19:27

Scary. No one told
me this really :( scary :(

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Do you not have an annual review every year?

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 19:27

SilverBlue4 · 01/06/2026 19:26

There should have been an annual review and any changes needed (with evidence) made ready for college.

Too late now for the tribunal, hopefully it still reflects his needs well enough and the tribunal goes your way.

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Scary. No one told
me this really :( scary :(

OP posts:
SilverBlue4 · 01/06/2026 19:26

TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 19:22

No no one told
me me this :(

Show quote history

There should have been an annual review and any changes needed (with evidence) made ready for college.

Too late now for the tribunal, hopefully it still reflects his needs well enough and the tribunal goes your way.

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 19:23

PieLoe · 01/06/2026 19:13

40 items to meet needs for?!
Incredible.

Sounds like a very strong case at the tribunal then?!
Do you have any kind of help from a solicitor/ Sendiass or Ipsea? Etc. I really wish you luck and hope it does the trick.

My DS hasn’t had an interview yet for college for September this year. Things are slow.

Yes send Iass are coming and are supporting me

OP posts:
Original poster
TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 19:22

SilverBlue4 · 01/06/2026 19:15

Was the content of B and F updated ready for post 16?

No no one told
me me this :(

OP posts:
SilverBlue4 · 01/06/2026 19:15

Was the content of B and F updated ready for post 16?

PieLoe · 01/06/2026 19:13

40 items to meet needs for?!
Incredible.

Sounds like a very strong case at the tribunal then?!
Do you have any kind of help from a solicitor/ Sendiass or Ipsea? Etc. I really wish you luck and hope it does the trick.

My DS hasn’t had an interview yet for college for September this year. Things are slow.

scoopofmintchocchipicecream · 01/06/2026 19:09

Have you appealed B&F as well as I?

Is the preferred placement wholly independent?

It would help you to re-read your previous threads about DS’s EHCP and transition to post 16.

While a witness statement from the current placement can help, you need to look at the rest of your evidence. For example, do you have an EP report and what does it say? It isn’t about the number of difficulties. A witness statement highlighting lots of difficulties doesn’t necessary mean a specialist post 16 placement is needed.

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 19:02

Ludmilaandthelonely · 01/06/2026 18:49

If you want some help/want him to get more specialist provision then you need to be much clearer about his needs and what the specialist provision can offer compared to mainstream.
Are you looking at Sept 2027? or has an application been declined? Surely if he has an EHCP progression into post sixteen provision for 2026 will have already been discussed and agreed. I don't think a 'witness statement' from school will be sufficient.

Sadly it’s for this September and it’s the tribunal :( now I’m worried his ehcp is out of date or don’t reflect him properly? Bet it’s too late to do anything about now tho ? Now he’s left school ? He’s sitting his GCSE’s atm

OP posts:
SilverBlue4 · 01/06/2026 18:56

If it's a mainstream post 16 college but have said they can meet needs, it's likely they have a SEND pathway for EHCP learners.

Have you visited?

In my LA, if the mainstream college can meet needs it is unlikely you would get agreement for specialist without needing to go to tribunal.

Or does his EHCP need updating with new evidence, and re consulting with the mainstream college in which case after the update it may be that they say they cannot meet needs after all.

Bushmillsbabe · 01/06/2026 18:53

Is he currently in specialist?

Do you think the ehcp accurately reflects his needs? If no, then the school needs to ask for it to be amended - a supporting letter doesn't carry anywhere near as much weight as an ehcp.

In what way do you think mainstream won't meet need - it is mainstream secondary or mainstream college (which might have a SEN pathway)? Is it inaccessible? Doesn't offer courses appropriate to his learning level? Usually mainstream post 16 is subject to certain gcse grades - I work with several young people who wanted to stay in their current secondary post 16 but were not predicted the required grades to do so.

Ludmilaandthelonely · 01/06/2026 18:49

If you want some help/want him to get more specialist provision then you need to be much clearer about his needs and what the specialist provision can offer compared to mainstream.
Are you looking at Sept 2027? or has an application been declined? Surely if he has an EHCP progression into post sixteen provision for 2026 will have already been discussed and agreed. I don't think a 'witness statement' from school will be sufficient.

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 18:48

PieLoe · 01/06/2026 18:42

How many items on the struggle list?

40!!! Yet they want him to go mainstream post 16 😤🥹

OP posts:
PieLoe · 01/06/2026 18:42

How many items on the struggle list?

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 18:31

PieLoe · 01/06/2026 18:27

Did you have evidence of the diagnosis?
What part of the country are you in?

Yes we’re in bham

OP posts:
PieLoe · 01/06/2026 18:27

Did you have evidence of the diagnosis?
What part of the country are you in?

Original poster
TheOpalFox · 01/06/2026 18:16

It don’t mention his diagnosis . Just how much support he gets and still struggled 😤🥹

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