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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Original poster

What are the negatives (of any) to getting an EHCP?

32 replies

Thingstodotwo · 02/01/2023 19:12

I would really love some input as totally in the dark (despite my own research). My DC was assessed as being ‘mildly’ dyslexic by an Ed Psych a couple of years ago. School says they are offering what DC needs in terms of support. I just don’t think it’s the case but I have tried to have faith that they know better than me. DCs reading and writing age at year 2, they are year 4. I recently saw work created by classmates and it’s whole new level. Do I push for a reassessment and/or EHCP. I feel I’m one of these people that doesn’t like yo cause a fuss but I also don’t want to fail my DC by not being his advocate. If I looked to move him to private education is it better to do this with or without EHCP in place? Would a “non-academic” school (despite what they may say publicly) be less likely to accept DC? Thanks!

OP posts:
BillStickersIsInnocent · 03/01/2023 23:24

If you can afford private fees, you could possibly look for a specialist independent Dyslexia School. Sadly I’m not in that position.

BillStickersIsInnocent · 03/01/2023 23:22

I always reckoned it would take about 2 years, my goal was to get something solid in place for the transition to KS3. But it’s still been very stressful and time consuming.

The Local Authority refused to assess and then refused to issue. Refusal to assess was overturned after mediation. Refusal to issue was overturned about 6 weeks after I’d submitted my appeal. Lots of this is delaying tactics from the LA, makes me so cross!

I’m currently in the process of pulling together our appeal for the contents of the EHCP. Tribunals submitted now are being booked for over 12 months time. It’s a nightmare. If the LA don’t concede before hand I won’t have anything in place for September 2023, but I’m hoping the appeal will be prioritised as it’s related to a key stage transition.

Original poster
Thingstodotwo · 03/01/2023 23:03

Goodness me, two years to complete!! How can it take so long? I’m sorry that it has.

OP posts:
JustKeepBuilding · 02/01/2023 20:33

You have nothing to lose by applying it for an EHCNA. IMO there aren’t any downsides.

Independent schools often aren’t supportive of SEN, EHCP or not, and when they are often charge extra. Independent schools (with the exception of s.41 specialist independents) can offer or refuse places to whoever they want EHCP or not so it’s unlikely to make a difference. If they are going to refuse based on needs they will do so regardless of EHCP or not.

Jules An EP assessment can be undertaken out with the EHCNA process. Schools can use their, admittedly limited, budget or parents can seek a private assessment. You can reapply if you are refused. Although if an EHCNA has been undertaken within the previous 6 months there’s no right of appeal.

BillStickersIsInnocent · 02/01/2023 20:08

Yes push for an EHC needs assessment. Your evidence is that despite SEN support to meet his needs he is two years behind age related expectations.

We’re in a similar situation and started the process end of year 4. He is now year 6 and EHCP has just been finalised.

Original poster
Thingstodotwo · 02/01/2023 19:31

I had to do the Ed P privately as school said backlog through Covid meant a Local Auth one would take a year. Also have same concern re secondary school.

OP posts:
Jules912 · 02/01/2023 19:25

I'm not sure there's a way to get an Educational psychologist assessment without requesting an EHCNA ( though that's top of the list for my next meeting with the SENCO). I'd also want to know if there's any downsides to getting one, and if it's refused are you allowed to apply again in a year or two?
DD's actually being supported fairly well now but I can see already that she will really struggle in a MS high school without more support.