Section 19 education act

[CompletelyLost1]

Long story short....

My dc has been really struggling with attending school and hasn't been to school in a few months. Dc is diagnosed with anxiety, on medication and on camhs waiting list, dc is also autistic.

His current school has been no help.whatsover, won't go in much detail but recent ofsted report states there are issues regarding pupils in the same or similar situations as dc.

The education wellfare officer has been to see us and gave us 2 options a staggered return to the school he is registered at or apply for a section 19, we think the last option is the best, fresh start etc.

What are people's experiences of applying for a section 19, did they get the right help, did it improve things, etc?

When you say apply for a section 19, what exactly do you mean?

Do you mean the LA makes alternative provision as per their duty under section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure DS receives a suitable full-time education?

Have you requested an EHCNA?

Yes sorry should have made it clearer that is what I mean.

I applied for an assessment for an echp plan a while ago but it unfortunately got rejected for lack of evidence. I personally think this could be due to the school not being honest about the whole situation and their lack of support.

If DS is unable to attend school, s.19 provision should have been put in place before now, so, yes, that should start ASAP.

Did you appeal the refusal to assess?

No being completely honest here at the time I didn't appeal it, the whole situation with the school has been that stressful I got overwhelmed and mainly focused on improving my sons mental health as a priority. The last few months have been extremely hard and as I said the school have been no help whatsoever and only made the situation harder and harder.

I will start the application for s.19 provision as that does seem the best option. I'd just like to read some other people's experiences to reassure myself and dc that it is the right choice and things will only get better.

When did you get the refusal? Are you still within the appeal window? Even if not, you could try seeing if SENDIST would accept a late appeal. You could make another EHCNA request if not/it’s been too long. DS needs an EHCP.

EHCP support thread no. 4 - www.mumsnet.com/talk/special_educational_needs/5197351-ehcp-support-thread-no-4

I got the refusal mid november.

Thanks for all your help so far

Request another EHCNA.