EHCP request refused by school

[NewASDMum]

We are new to this. Please be kind. I have asked my child’s school to apply for an EHCP on their behalf following a recommendation from 2 x psych and 1 x psychiatrist. Diagnosed with ASD and with ADHD traits that we need to look at further. School refused stating they can adequately meet their needs. Happy to apply myself but how do I challenge the school refusal to assist? I agree they are currently meeting needs, but these are changing every week and I’m concerned about staff turnover/support etc. current SEN firm teacher going on mat leave with no update re future support etc. many thanks.

You can’t get an ehcp because someone might go on maternity leave. Are those recommending the ehcp private diagnosis?

You can apply for a EHCNA yourself

Does your local authority have an advisory group who can give independent advice? In Dorset they are called SENDIASS. Also the charity National Autism may be able to advise. But you do need to be clear on what support you think your child needs that is not being provided by the school.

I agree they are currently meeting needs

I would say you probably won’t have much luck in getting an EHCP at the moment then.

Apply yourself if you really want to-it sounds like the school are doing what they should.

The school cannot refuse to assist. If you apply then they will complete the paperwork - possibly illustrating how child's are met or where need more support etc.

What year is your child in? Why do you feel they need specialist provision over what school can offer?

Hi!
depending on your area you can apply yourself for an ehcp, school/drs may be sent letters with forms to complete. As someone who worked in a school the SEND team may be a bit half arsed at filling this in though
however your push point with them should be… yes you are meeting need now but do you want to wait until a massive gap forms between peers in terms of attainment and socialisation and alienate my child completely or do you think it’s best we do something now and act in their best interests. Some schools need reminding that they have a duty of care towards young people and actually an ehcp means more money coming in for them. Yes it’s a lot of paperwork, and the whole process can sometimes take years but I see you already have independent reports from various professionals so that’s a massive waiting list and hurdle already jumped.
also a school must have a sendco, so once the current one leaves they must have another in place so don’t let them tell you they won’t have one (they may, but for no longer than the new ones notice period before they start at the school)

I agree they are currently meeting needs

You are arguing against yourself here.
Of course they can't get an EHCP if their needs are being met.

Who are the two Psychologists ?
As in, how have they seen 2, rather than what their names are, obviously.

You can apply for a EHC needs assessment yourself. You need to apply to your local education authority. The school will be contacted to input.

I have contacted SENDIASS. Current SEN form teacher about to go on mat leave. Psychs are a school appointed Ed psych. And then a private psychiatrist who recommended a neuro-developmental assessment that has been completed by a private psych. All state an EHCP is needed. But our school doesn’t agree.

What year are they in?

How old is your child? If they are going into year 5 or above can you say they need the EHCP for secondary school purposes to ensure needs continue to be met?

What support did they recommend that school isn't providing? With DD we had many conversations along the lines of:
Me: this professional has recommended x, & z
Senco: we'll do x and try to do y and z but they require a staff member to help her and we don't usually have anyone spare.
Me: so we need an EHCP
Senco: we need to prove that we can't do y and z first, and that what we are doing isn't sufficient and that we're spending more than £6k on dd.

Came to say this

I sit on the panel for EHCNAs.

If school are meeting their needs, they won’t get an EHCP, irrespective of what reports from other professionals recommend.

@LostittoBostik
In a word, no.

Op school may agree but can't because they can't afford it.
Keep pushing, but... Remember an ehcp is what they can hold the school too but many teachers in secondary won't read it or understand it anyway. I don't expect that to change under labour... If you get one and have ehcp meeting... Question the teachers.

Disagree - as senco we once advised this as child didn’t need any additional support. Parents applied and were granted.

on the flip side, many many children came from primary school who “had their needs met” through existing resources and were in desperate need of EHCP, so I would apply.

would be good to know what school year, and what support they are currently getting

It’s End of year 9/14 as they are a sept baby. The school are very good with handling issues and we have advised all parties of this but they still recommend an EHCP just so it’s in place when needed. Apologies for the delayed response. I am very fragile ATM due to my child’s adverse school response and I just want to support them as best I can.

Request an EHCNA yourself.

Use the evidence from the professionals who have recommended an EHCP. You can also use any communication with the school you have. You could think about submitting SARs to school and any other agency involved to gather further evidence.

It is possible to get an EHCP if a pupil’s needs are met because they are receiving support in excess of what is typically available without an EHCP in state mainstream schools.

It also isn’t unusual for it to appear all needs are met currently but the EHCNA highlight hidden needs or required provision that isn’t actually being provided.

You may have to appeal, many do. This is because LAs often act unlawfully.

Be careful with SENDIASS. Some are good, but many repeat the LA’s unlawful policies.

Thank you. I will be looking into this.