EHCP for DD who is 2 - HELP PLS

[MinnieTruck]

Posting here for traffic because honestly, I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing anymore.

My daughter is 2 and started nursery at the beginning of May (one day after her birthday). She only does 15 hours a week but I’d like to increase her hours as she seems to enjoy nursery.

Due to developmental concerns, I spoke with our GP who then referred DD to have an initial assessment with the Paediatrician in May. After completing the assessment, I was told that DD most likely has Autism and she’s been referred to get diagnosed.

I was told to fill in an EHCP request and contacted the LA in order to do this. I submitted all the required evidence to the council and my request for an assessment was put before the panel. Well I received an email today saying that a request for DD to be assessed has been declined. The only reason why is because I haven’t added a SEN plan from the nursery which states how and the nursery are supporting DD. But she doesn’t have one?! Are the nursery meant to provide me with one or doesn’t the LA contact the nursery to gather all the details first?

I just don’t know what to do honestly. I’ve given the nursery the report from her assessment with the Paediatrician. She’s also non verbal so I’m sure they’ve noticed a lot of these signs with my daughter. I’ve asked the owner on two occasions to have a meeting with the teachers in her room to see how/what they can do to support her and have had no response! The SENCO is the teacher in the 3/4 year old room and is ALWAYS busy. I can’t even get two minutes with her let alone arrange a meeting with her.

What do I do now? Do I email the nursery and ask them again to have a meeting? I’d really appreciate the nurseries support because my daughter hates change and took nearly 2 and a half months to settle properly. I don’t want to move her elsewhere. I also need to make sure she’s happy and is well understood. Please help!

In most LAs funding for SEND in the Early Years does not come through the EHCP, which is why they are usually done in the year before children start school.

EHCPs are much better quality when there is evidence over time of what works for a child and this comes from settings putting strategies in place, monitoring progress and seeking advice from professionals if they need to.

You could probably force the LAs hand with an appeal but this may not be as useful as an assessment in a year or two once things have been in place.

But the nursery should definitely be taking your concerns seriously. You should expect a meeting with the SENCo at which you should expect to hear their views, share your concerns and agree a plan. There should be an agreement when this plan will be reviewed. The plan should include any possible referral to e.g. a speech and language therapist, early years advisory teacher (called different things in different places) or portage if available in your area. It should also include what strategies/interventions they will be trying. Ask how funding can be accessed if needed.

Good luck

Don’t be put off by people saying an EHCP isn’t necessary in nursery. A good EHCP absolutely is. EHCPs are reviewed and can be amended over time. The benefit of an EHCP rather than ‘just’ support via the nursery is an EHCP is legally enforceable and provision can be in excess of what is otherwise typically available without sitting on waiting lists, and an EHCNA can include assessments without the need to sit on the normal waiting lists.

Put in an appeal, most of the times LA's refuse to see whether you are going to fight because a refusal will discourage plenty of parents. Dd got her dx at two and her SSEN (EHCP equivalent) before she started nursery so it's not impossible without a nursery's input. Tbf it was better than having input from someone who didn't have the time, knowledge or interest in supporting dd.

I’m honestly so overwhelmed I can’t see the wood for the trees or whatever the heck the saying is.

My 16 month old is under the care of Paediatrician, SALT, Physio, OT (both in the community and via the council), Upper Limb Clinic, Ophthalmology, Dietician and the list just goes on. He also has a rare genetic disorder that only 600 people in the world have.

As if that wasn’t enough, I have to educate myself on Autism and what support is available for SEN children to make sure DD is getting what she needs. And to top it off, I’m a single parent. I sincerely feel like I’m drowning my God! Thank you so much everyone.

I’m going to buy a notebook and go through the comments to write down what I need to do. My 16 month old gets DLA and I’m on the DLA support group on FB. So many parents speak about fighting for their child’s needs. I’ll always do the same no matter how hard it all is. If anyone has any links or website recommendations to broaden my knowledge on anything SEN then please comment. I’m all ears. Grateful for you all, truly

Oh OP you have so much going on and a single Mum.

• I would first recommend posting on Special Needs. You’ll probably get more useful advice then AIBU and from parents who have been on the journey you have.
• Not sure where you live. I live in a town in the SE and we have a Facebook sen group. Brilliant group for local advice and support.
• National Autistic Society - provide help and support specifically on autism https://www.autism.org.uk/
• Action for Children provide support, including support and key workers https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/our-work-and-impact/children-and-families/families-with-disabled-children/

The most useful support I have found is other parents with a disabled child (doesn’t have to be the same as yours), but someone who has been in similar situations, challenges and problems. Often they may not have a solution, but sometimes all you need to know is you are not alone. Other times they will have suggestions or ideas.

For SEN and EHCPs, look at IPSEA and SOSSEN’s websites. They both also have advice lines. Reading the SENCOP is helpful too.

For DLA, the Cerebra guide is useful. If you haven’t already applied for DD request the forms for her.

Scope offer mentoring to parents of DC recently diagnosis or on the assessment pathway. It’s worth looking into.

Contact has lots of information on their website, including model letters for social care assessments.

If they aren’t already Home Start may be able to support you.

Unique support families with DC with rare chromosome and gene disorders.

@GreenMeanMachine thank you for your supportive words! I must be doing something wrong because whenever I post on the ‘SN Chat’ board, I only get one or two responses and it’s usually the ever so helpful @OvertakenByLego who comments and gives really useful advice. I may just be posting at the wrong time of day or something. Thank you so much for the links, I’m going to have a look at the sites this afternoon. I’m based in SW London so there must be support local to me. I just have to find it!

@OvertakenByLego once again thank you for your knowledge. You’re a Godsend

The SN boards are generally quieter than the main boards and it takes longer to get replies, but the advice is more targeted. Why don’t you join us in the pub thread in SN Chat? Lots of active helpful posters there.

You are welcome. Many years ago I received support from MNers I could never repay, not related to SN but now things a more settled I like to give back.

@OvertakenByLego thanks so much. I’ve just followed the thread! It’ll be helpful to engage with other parents that have children with additional needs:)

@MinnieTruck do join us in SN chat.

When DD1 was at preschool, the inclusion support coordinator for the LA came to assess her and she was funded for 1:1 support in that way. Portage also worked with the preschool to help them meet her needs. She had SALT but tbh it was useless because she had very limited joint attention and the therapist wouldn't engage with what she was interested in.

DD1 went on to get a Statement of SEN (the precursor to EHCPs) at 4, in time for school admission. She went to a special school in year R.

can I get the LA to do a assessment on my daughter she has had additional needs and is nonverbal, she is really struggling in nursery.

or do I need a IDP from school before the local authority gets involved HELP!

You would be better starting your own thread.

Are you in Wales?

are you from England?

Yes, but that is irrelevant to your situation. So, are you in Wales?

Google the local offer for children and young people with SEND in your area. There may be an area SENCO or an outreach and inclusion team you can contact.

Yes sorry im new to this..am I in the wrong topic I’m confused

In which case, your first step is to request an IDP from the school. On SNAP Cymru’s website they have a model letter you can use.

Could I get the LA involved and get a assessment done?

You can request a reconsideration from the LA, but you can’t go straight to them for an IDP if DD is in school (assuming one of the exceptions doesn’t apply such as being looked after, detailed, not in a non-maintained school).