Anyone got their Child into Private school with an EHCP?

[alittlebitsocial]

Hi all,

Long story short. DD started her education in Churchers College Junior School. She was fine until year 3 when her dyslexia really put her behind her peers so we left without a fight at their suggestion. She's been in mainstream since but hates it, misses the small classes, close community and everything involved.

She's currently in year 8 and has an EHCP and we are looking to see if we can move her to a non-selective private/independent school that will see through her struggles but appreciate her amazing skills in performing arts and music.

We have approached one, who decided they didn't feel they could meet her need. We live on the Hampshire/Surrey/West Sussex border so happy to consider a little travel for the right school.

I know of a couple of schools we are going to look at, just wondered if anyone had been in the same situation and can offer any advice?

Many Thanks :)

There will be one somewhere! I know our non selective private school has an excellent dyslexia department and we are very proud of it. She’d be welcomed at ours but we are in the North West unfortunately.

Keep trying

More House Frensham.

Moon hall?

Frensham Heights maybe? A family member used to work there in a role that had something to do with learning support/dyslexia so it could be worth a try.

Hi @ShyTown,

Thank you for the reply, I have been considering Frensham. She would excel with the the arts side by I am not sure if she'd be too much for them. I will contact them next week and ask

Thank you

Hi @1busybee,

More house would be perfect but unfortunately they only take boys. :(

Hi @TakeMeToYourLiar

I like the look of Moonhall, I think I will arrange a tour. Unfortunately, her EHCP doesn't have a full dyslexia diagnosis and Moonhall request that she does so may have to get a private EP, but will look at them. Thank u

Thank you @Joyfulljenny. I am hoping that there is a school who will take the chance on her. She deserves so much considering what she has been through in the last few years.

Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils

crested.org.uk/parents-find-a-school.html

Farnborough Hill?

Having looked for the exact same things - Frensham Heights and Bedes are probably the best for the combination of dyslexia and performing arts.

Frensham Heights may not accept with a level of problems that require an EHCP - they're vv friendly on the phone so worth having a chat.

My DD is at the milder end of moderately severe and we're not sure if she will pass their assessment of what they can work with.

Sherfield or Bedales might be options.

I don’t think you can take you EHCP funding with you. What is the EHCP for, as I know they can be quite hard to get so it might change which schools are a possibility. Does she need a 1-2-1 in all lessons, few private schools offer this, or if they do the cost can be transferred to the parents.

Problem is that the EHCP will go with you and most private schools don't want them. If it says 1-1 needed they have to legally comply some authorities will transfer the funding for the 1-1 but not the first £6k which state schools are meant to find from their budget so a private school doesn't receive so parents will have to part fund the 1-1 and in other authorities completely fund. Specialist dyslexia schools would be best in this situation.

Dyslexic schools are mostly private and take students funded via ehcp but you may have a struggle getting the local authority to find place if they think needs can be met at mainstream.

Hi @Joyfulljenny Hi
I noticed a comment you put on a post saying how great your school was in the NW for dyslexia. I was hoping you could tell
Me the name. Looking for a school for my DD who is going into year 6 in September
Many thanks Zoe

@alittlebitsocial

Is London too far??

I write EHCPs for the LA and at lot of the PPs are misinformed. You absolutely can take your EHCP to a private school and your funding will go with you. It is illegal for schools to pass the costs of section F onto parents and the LA will cover the £6000 notional SEN funding. The only thing the LA can't do is direct a private school to take a child (which they can with a maintained school) but first tier tribunal can, do if you find a school you love then ask the LA to formally consult with them. If they say they can't meet need them they will need to give you a reason why. Once you have a school named in section I, this will open up your right to appeal.

Thank you everyone for your comments. After lots of frustrating months before covid19. The EHCP was the problem, with no support from her current school and the LA not wanting to be helpful our top choice school found stupid excuses not to proceed. I explained that the 1 on 1 would be funded and they had a pupil with an EHCP in the school but from previous discussions with SENDIASS they said most private schools don't want the hassle.

We decided with a heavy heart, mainly due to covid19 that she should stay at her current school. We will fund for a tutor in year 10 and and 11 and work on her performing arts skills for drama college.

I did look at other schools post rejection but the process would take too long for her to start in September.