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SEN

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

Original poster

ASD Dd y12 refusing to go back to school

43 replies

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 12/04/2023 20:07

And l don’t know what to do. She has struggled all year, dropped to 2 A levels, but is still struggling. Exhausted all the time, school have adjusted as much as they can, she doesn’t go to registration, but she can’t cope with all the interaction.

We’re applying for an EHCP but I’m flummoxed. She’s bright and clever but can’t cope. Is still so traumatised by Teams after lockdown so can’t use that option.

She wants to learn. The thought of going to FE college is beyond her. It seems impossible to hone educate over 16. I just don’t know what to do.

OP posts:
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FloatingBean · 16/04/2023 12:05

EOTAS is education otherwise than at school.

I wouldn’t mention EHE in the EHCNA request even if you do plan to EHE.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 16/04/2023 11:33

@FloatingBean what’s an EOTAS?

can we talk about eant home Ed in the application?

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FloatingBean · 15/04/2023 16:07

EOTAS, which can include tuition at home, is possible. Section I wouldn’t specify home education it would be left blank.

You can also EHE with an EHCP, but if you make suitable alternative arrangements you relieve the LA of their duties to provide the provision in F. Although some LAs will come to an arrangement and give parents EHEing a personal budget.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 15/04/2023 15:42

Can an EHCP specify home eduction?

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Punxsutawney · 15/04/2023 13:24

It's tough but definitely keep going. Ds got his first EHCP at the start of sixth form, he was diagnosed with ASD in year 11. He then struggled through year 12 but could no longer cope in a mainstream environment. They kept him on their roll until we had another placement confirmed ( he wasn't doing any academic work).

After a bit of a battle he now attends an independent specialist placement funded by our LA. This is a young man whose Senco told me in year 11, that he absolutely did not need an EHCP....

Dowellif · 14/04/2023 19:50

Good luck and well done @ArseInTheCoOpWindow! It is a huge amount of admin to wrangle when you're already using your resources to support a child who is struggling.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 14/04/2023 09:39

Yes, I’ve got all that. I’ve written it all. Just trying to organise the mountains if evidence.

Thank you all for your support. I’ve included photos in it of where she’s constantly texting me at school saying how much she hates it and can’t cope! But that’s just one page of evidence out of about 40. There’s also about 28 emails to school😳

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FloatingBean · 13/04/2023 15:38

Have a look here.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 15:36

I’m just writing it now! It’s getting all the evidence together that’s so hard. There’s so much. But it will go tomorrow.

Thanks all for your help. The hardest thing is finding the name of the Director of Chikdren’s Services. Been on bloody hold at the council for 40 mins😡

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FloatingBean · 13/04/2023 15:27

You don’t need to wait. Send the EHCNA request now (IPSEA have a model letter you can use) and send additional information when you receive it, I wouldn’t rely on the LA contacting the GP/CAMHS. Delaying requesting an EHCNA further delays DD getting the support she needs.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 10:28

What’s holding the application up is the Go faffing around. I’ve asked for all the stuff from CAHMs to submit. They haven’t done it 2 weeks later.

Do l need to submit it, or would they just contact the relevant people?

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FloatingBean · 13/04/2023 09:24

Whatever you do you should request an EHCNA ASAP.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 09:22

I don’t know. She was assessed under the nhs, but the psychologist won’t see her until CAHMs finishes. I don’t know why. I’ve argued about it, but they won’t.

l might phone them up again.

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FloatingBean · 13/04/2023 09:17

Is the psychologist not part of CAMHS/liaison psychiatry then? Or are they part of e.g. a medical team? If it is the latter the same still applies. For example, DS1 has a CAMHS team which includes a clinical psychologist that deals with his MH needs. He also has a clinical psychologist as part of a medical team for a long term condition who primarily deals with things relating to the condition as the wider mental health needs are outside their comfort zone and it isn’t best practice.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 09:11

It’s a nhs psychologist!

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FloatingBean · 13/04/2023 09:06

You don’t need evidence from SALT or similar to request an EHCNA. If the LA agree to access such assessments can be part of the EHCNA. Apply now.

It is normal for many private psychologists, private psychiatrists and CAMHS to not allow patients to see both.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 09:04

They have home Ed exams at her school. Thank you for the advice. I’m just waiting for stuff on mental health to come through from GP, so we can apply for one.

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Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 09:03

In terms of evidence for an EHCP. She’s had lots of contact with mental health agencies.

She only got diagnosed in November because she spent so much time in lockdown in KS 4 that she didn’t seem to struggle with people as much. So we haven’t had SALT or anything. We are waiting to see a psychologist, but they won’t see her whikst CAHMS are seeing her🙄even though CAHMs is making zero difference.

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FloatingBean · 13/04/2023 09:00

I would apply for an EHCNA ASAP.

You can still apply for an EHCNA if you deregister. However, personally, I wouldn’t deregister. Parents often find it easier (although not easy) to get support when their DC remains on the school’s roll even if they can’t attend. Crudely, you are someone’s ‘problem’ whereas it is easier for others to sweep DC’s needs under the carpet if you deregister.

Exam access arrangements are still possible, but you would need to find a centre.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 09:00

I just think she needs a long time to sit and chill. But it’s the cost. And even though she’s ASD, she’s quite friendly and needs some social contact.

But at the moment she feels overwhelmed by it all and doesn’t want to be with or speak to anyone.

I’m a qualified secondary teacher in the practical subject she wants to carry on. But l don’t think l can vouch for her coursework. Not that she’s doing anything. She’s too stressed.

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Saracen · 13/04/2023 08:58

Yes, you can apply for an EHCP while not in an educational setting.

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 08:57

We don’t get CB. Dh earns just above the threshold.

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Saracen · 13/04/2023 08:56

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 08:31

I’m not bothered about her finishing at the same time as her peers. I’m bothered about the cost of trying to fund home learning.

It's a real challenge. As you may be aware, it isn't just the direct costs - which aren't necessarily huge - but if you receive any benefits which are linked to your daughter continuing in education, those will also end now. Child Benefit for example, and the young person element of Tax Credits. If she had been previously home educated then you could continue claiming, but the benefits system doesn't accommodate young people starting home ed post-16.

There are a few possible ways to continue a claim in the short term. For example, if the young person has an interruption to their education due to illness or disability: https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/child-benefit-technical-manual/cbtm07050 or you can get a 20-week extension if she registers for the Careers Service within three months of leaving education (I don't think she has to actually DO anything, just be registered).

Original poster
ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 13/04/2023 08:54

Can we still apply for an EHCP if she’s at home?

We’re thinking of seeing if she can carry on one A level at school ( which is practical and has a high coursework content’ and hone educating her in others when she’s ready.

She’s very artistic and that’s the one l think she should carry in. She gets lots of special considerations and a private room at exam time. Is that available still to home Ed?😭

To do an online art diploma ( equiv to 2 A levels) is 4k

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FloatingBean · 13/04/2023 08:50

Have you applied for an EHCNA yet? If the LA agree to assess the needs assessment can include OT, SALT, psychiatrist &/or clinical psychologist assessments without the need to sit on the normal waiting lists. And if an EHCP is issued it can fund provision at home and ongoing therapies .

If money is an issue and you receive CB &/or tax credits/UC think carefully as home education has to begin prior to 16 or there be an EHCP for it to continue when home educating.