Advice on SEN provision in primary school

[AndAsIfByMagic]

I was a teacher but have been out of the game for a long time now. My friend has asked for some advice about her DGS and I'm at a loss.

He is autistic and also has learning difficulties. His behaviour is unpredictable and he can be violent. He will be 7 next term. My friend has been involved in his life from the start and tries to be as supportive as she can.

This time last year his 1 to 1 said she could no longer continue as she felt unsafe. The Head advertised for a replacement but meanwhile tried to manage with agency staff. Quite often they would refuse to come back. There were some days when he had to go home as there was no one there who could take responsibility for him and he could be a danger to himself and others.

A replacement started in September but today (first day back) she has said she cannot carry on. The Head will advertise, of course, but agencies are already telling her they do not have enough staff to guarantee someone will be in every day. The head has said there will be times when he just cannot be in school.

My friend has been asked by his DM to take him on those days so she can work. Reading between the lines it looks like he will be out more than in until a replacement is found and my friend really doesn't feel she can do it. Her health isn't brilliant and she finds his behaviour frightening at times.

They have been trying to get him a place in a specialist school but the LEA say there are others with greater needs.

He is entitled to a 1 to 1 and to be in school full time but what can be done when the staff just can't be found? He isn't safe in the classroom with other children without 1 to 1 supervision.

What can the family do? They cannot insist on full time school when it is unsafe. The head is doing all she can to get staff but ...

Completely different scenario but the same in some ways. Ds1 has a physical disability and at his year 3 meeting I pushed (verbally) the senco to admit that with all the money in the world they could not mean his educational needs. Now he didn’t have an echp and the LA said we had to wait an academic year whilst they process. I managed to speak to the head of education (I got pass the secretary by not admitting I was a parent) and said this was not good enough / the school had said they cannot teach him therefore the LA is failing to provide my child an equal education to that of his peers without disability (or some such words). I then pointed out the specialist unit said they can take him and assess him there for an ECHP - I even agreed that he can move back if I’m found wrong: he started the following term - (this was June) and he is now in the secondary version.
My point is research his condition, know his problems inside and out, work out what he needs and what the la could be providing then starting fighting and be bold. They have thousands of cases and you need to be that parent / carer and be pushy and tough.

I wouldn’t informally take him out of school as is being requested as long term this is just kicking the problem down the road. there’s always a shortage of special school places and they are given to those with most evidence of need so you need to get this evidence, sounds like there is plenty already but keep building more. If the school don’t want him there they will need to formally exclude, it’s not a nice feeling but it’s all evidence that school can’t meet need. Has their been an early review of ehcp to request change of placement , if so then you get right of appeal to tribunal but it has to be submitted within 3 months.

national autistic society has an educational rights helpline that are good and will advise. Ipsea are also very good but near on impossible to get a phone appointment.

good luck I went through similar with my son. He is now in a special school and loves if

Thanks @AReallyUsefulEngine - I'll double check with the SENDCO in the morning.

I would agree that an appeal to sendist would not result in sitting on a waiting list. The decision would be either yes or no. Even if the school is full, they could be forced to take him. However, what is more usual would be for the LA to name a school and the parents to name another - often an independent specialist who have the space. This concentrates the LA mind as they will sometimes then oblige the state school to accept the child to avoid a costly placement. If they stick to the mainstream, they may lose if it is obvious that the ms can't meet need.

Absolutely.

We often hear of parents wanting their children to come to our school and being told we at capacity.

Yet when we have pupils who's needs we can't meet because we aren't the right place and we tell La they need specialist independent the LA suddenly finds enough cash to supply a FT teacher and LSA for that child. Yet can't find funds for a teacher and 2/3 lsa for 8-10 extra pupils.

The system is broken