High school transition- autistic child with EBSA

[ThatBigLongStringOfMisery]

I have a year six son with an autism diagnosis and EBSA. He has an EHCP and has had a full time assistant in a mainstream school for years.

I have spent hours getting him into school for the last 6 months. He gets very upset. He hasn’t been in the actual mainstream classroom for about 4 months.

The LEA have offered a place in a mainstream school with a hub for autism students. The ratio is 1 TA: 5 students. I am informed by other parents whose children go there that their kids are now attending 100% mainstream classes.

It looks like the council will try to force me to accept this place. I don’t think my son will manage at all.

I have been emailing to the council and school for months about the school refusal. I have also kept my GP and Cahms in the loop.

What sort of evidence should I be wheeling out at this point?

I think I am not being unreasonable to say he won’t cope in this environment. Council does not seem to give a polished turd about this though. I am sure they are focused on the purse strings.

I need evidence though and feel they are about ten steps ahead of me..

What nakes you think he won’t manage? Sounds an ideal set up

You will need to show why school cannot meet needs. I suggest posting in SEN lots of parents with experience.

Because he hasn’t been in a mainstream classroom for 4 months in a school he knows well, as he is too anxious. Because he is anxious even entering the current to be with his supportive one to one TA (who he has known for years and is great). Because he gets anxious even going into the school campus to sit in a quiet room away from all the other children. Because he is hyperventilating with all of the above. Because primary school agrees that this isn’t going to work.

Thanks :)

Will try this!

is his need for a 1:1 clearly specified in his EHCP without any weasel words? "must have a 1:1 TA at all times" can be enforced - "will benefit from1:1 support where possible" can be ignored. you may need a review to tighten up the EHCP wording. if the wording is already tight then it must be adhered to and the LEA can't force you to accept a provision thst doesn't provide the stated needs - you can request a Judicial Review which cN then order the school to provide what is needed.

Contact Sunshine Support for advice

It's not clear to me what you want to happen? Where do you want him to go?

If his current setting isn't working, and doesn't sound like it will improve then I don't think you can discount the new suggestion without even trying it. You can't know it won't be better.

I'd be asking for a time limit and then what further steps would be taken. E.g. we will try it for 4 months, what plans will they put in place if it doesn't work? Im in a different system but my DC is going to secondary. The council want the cheapest option and have said if it doesn't work out he will be immediately on the list for specialist provision, but I may have to home school for a few months until space opens up.

Presumably the autism hub will be set up specifically with autistic learners in mind, with consideration given to their sensory needs.

Whatever he doesn't like about his current school - colourful environment, noisy transition between lessons, feels different to the rest of the class etc - will be removed.

My nephew walked into his drab, grey hub and stared at the individual work pods. My sister thought it looked awful, like a prison, until my nephew breathed 'I love it.'

Have they experienced success with pupils who have previously refused school? I think it could be worth a conversation and a visit.

have you visited the new school in order to discuss things about how they can manage transitions? we planned for a long, slow transition for ds and in his case it was a lot smoother than anyone expected

what do you want to happen? If you want to be able to argue for an alternative you need to have a firm plan of what you think will work.

Is the hub specifically geared up to students with autism or is it a general support hub? If the former then can you go talk to them about what they provide- could he spend all day every day in the hub if necessary?

Beyond that, if not this school then where? Do you have another school in mind?

What does your ds think? Where does he want to go next?

It's the small class sizes and quieter environment that my DD13 thrives in. I totally understand where you are coming from. I had to go private unfortunately, I'm a single parent so it's not easy. Really hope you find the right path.

You can appeal the placement named in the EHCP, you should also appeal B&F.

What was your preferred placement? Unless it was wholly independent the LA must name your preference unless the LA can prove:
-The setting is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs (“SEN”) of the child or young person; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.

Depending on what reports you could have and their content for appeal you are likely to need at least one independent assessment e.g. EP, SALT or OT.

Are there therapies in the EHCP? There should be.

If DS can’t attend school due to his SEN/MH the LA must provide alternative education and anything specified and quantified in F of the EHCP. If they aren’t you should email the Director of Children’s Services informing them of the situation, requesting provision and stating if it isn’t provided you will be forced to begin judicial review proceedings.

Thank you all. @JustKeepBuilding i have realised the ehcp review deadline is tomorrow, section b is incorrect and section f is very wooly indeed.

If F is woolly it is vital you appeal. A vague and woolly EHCP isn’t worth the paper it is written on and is unenforceable.

The EHCP must be finalised with the secondary placement by the 15th. You need all the time you can get to appeal so make sure the LA stick to the deadline.

For appeal check whether you are eligible for legal aid. If you need independent reports and aren’t eligible Parents in Need can sometimes help fund them.

Thank you so much! The document is still in draft until tomorrow so I have asked for changes to those sections you highlighted to be made.

School are fully behind the idea that this placement will not work. They said they will speak to the LEA but maybe this isn’t enough.

Try to get the school’s view in writing. Follow up any verbal conversations with emails so you have a paper trail.

Thank you @JustKeepBuilding