EHCP - placing authority or local authority

[dustyphoenix]

Hi all
We have an adopted child and we/school are in the process of gathering evidence for an EHCP. We live outside of the placing authority and are two years post adoption. Am I correct in thinking that our EHCP application is to the Local Authority providing his education, rather than the placing authority (please say yes, they were awful!). Can anyone point me to the this in concrete form, just in case they contest it?

Also, am I correct in thinking that applying for further adoption support (via) ASF happens via the placing authority? Again, they are terrible so if anyone has any info that I can use to quote their responsibilities to them (or even better, template letters!) then that would be great.

Thanks!

EHCP is local authority - definitely.
ASF is placing authority until 3 years have passed - pretty sure on this one.

Good luck!

Thankyou, that was my understanding too.

On a related note, is anyone able to signpost me to a resource which can provide advice/support in requesting support via the LA. As I've mentioned, they were diabolical so would be helpful to know their legal duties and processes from the outset (as I'll definitely be quoting them at some point!). Is there anywhere I can access this info and perhaps resources like template letters etc?

When you adopted the LA should have produced a adoption support plan. You are entitled to ask for this to be reviewed at anytime in the first three years post adoption. This is a good starting point www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/after-adoption-what-help-can-we-get/

There is a link there re the adoption support fund.

With regard to an EHCP, I suggest you get legal advice. LAs are notorious for dragging their heels with regard to assessments and support packages.

Good luck!

Yes, the problem is that there is sooo much the LA should have done that they simply didn't even getting them to reply to a simple email requires frequent chasing and phone calls. So if I can go in armed with an idea of what we're entitled to (in terms of time-frames etc) I'm hoping this time round might be a bit more effective.

Thanks for the link, I'll take a look

For anyone else following, the link below looks like it might be quite helpful

www.minimumstandards.org/index.html

Coram have a free legal advice line, possibly a good idea to have a chat with them. www.childrenslegalcentre.com/get-legal-advice/education/

@dustyphoneix, I don’t know where you are based but PAC now have service level agreements with a large number of boroughs and have a free education helpline...

Thanks everyone, that's really helpful. The Coram line looks particularly good.

@CIArabelle67, can I ask who are PAC?

www.pac-uk.org/about/

IPSea have excellent resources re the ECHP process and time frames. Hopefully you have a good SENCO that can support you, and I think it’s wise to get a lawyer... I’m assuming you saw the panorama on SEN provision?

www.ipsea.org.uk/

ask for a copy of the child’s file if you think there may be info in there that could feed into the ECHP. I think You need to request the data under the disclosure of adoption information regulations (2005)

There has been a move to regional adoption agencies, so it may be the placing LA have now transferred their responsibilities for post adoption support to one of these. Probably best to email and get clarity.

Good luck!

EHCP contact your LA's Schools Statutory Disability team for Guidance ask too bee referred too Local SEND outreach disability team for an assessment via a pathway plan. Dependant on Needs will bring into play all support OT, Speech and language, physio etc ., at end of assessment education psychologist will assess and make recommendations if EHCP is needed or further support and if interim funding too school /nursery is needed on route. We followed this criteria. Worked well included interim funding leval2 for nursery. concluded with EHCP and placement in a SEN Specialist support School suitable for his needs.