EHCP Assessment advice needed please

[PlumRobin]

So im hoping some people have advice on ehcps. My son is recently turned 3, he had GDD and awaiting Autism assesment. Hes been in nursery since January so not overly long. He struggled as did they to regulate him so was only doing 2 hours at a time twice a week. Long story short he now attends twice a week 9-1 unfortunately they now cant offer more hours untill September. Ehcp assessment has been accepted and theyre due in mid July or the EP is. The nursery say theyre ok, which isnt helpful and they only have a small amount of time so not sure its a true reflection. Also, they take the children on lottle walks just outside the school grounds which my son still hasnt been on. I understand their reasons and concerns however surely thats not inclusive and if they cant manage that, then they cant manage it surely? He also was bitten on both days 1 week, and obviously with his delays they should be aware he doesnt have the intuition to move or remember to be aware he may get bitten. They aren't doing the activities salt have asked them to do which with out it, salt then wont move on to actual 1:1 should of mentioned my son is non verbal, limited understanding, defiantly sensory processing issues. We've seen paediatrician for initial appointment and hes made the referal for neurodevelopment team.
My question is, do I mention all this to the EP she invited us to attend after shes seen my son to share my views? What else should I be high lighting here?

There should be a part of the EHCP application form where you can share your views. If your views are that the current nursery can't meet his needs, for all the reasons you've set out, you can say so - and I would say that to the EP as well so that they are aware.

Do you have a local specialist speech and language nursery that you would want him to attend? I know there is one near us and parents who have used it have raved about it.

Hang on - he's getting bitten? Who is biting him?

Make sure you request the LA seeks advice and information from those who it is needed from.

During the EHCNA, the LA must seek advice and information from:
a) the child’s parent or the young person;
b) educational advice (usually from the headteacher or principal);
c) medical advice and information from a health care professional;
d) psychological advice and information from an educational psychologist;
e) advice and information in relation to social care;
f) advice and information from any other person the local authority thinks appropriate;
g) where the child or young person is in or beyond year 9, advice and information in relation to provision to assist the child or young person in preparation for adulthood and independent living; and
h) advice and information from any person the child’s parent or young person reasonably requests that the local authority seek advice from.

H can include things like OT, SALT, physio, so make sure you request any that are required.

For the EP, it can be helpful to make a timeline of events/any previous assessments, etc. Also think about making notes on things like developmental history, needs/difficulties, likes/dislikes/what makes DS happy, what support is already in place, what has previously been tried, what worked/didn’t work, what is needed but unable to be delivered, what is important to DS/you and what is important for DS, how DS communicates/how others communicate with him, aspirations, what you think DS needs, a bit about family/any other important people in DS’s life. At the end of the meeting, finish by asking them to ensure the report is detailed, specified and quantified and to send you a copy of the report once it is written.

It can also help to write a list of questions to ask the EP such as what assessments will be undertaken, what observations will be done (e.g. structured and unstructured times, with peers, with adults), will they meet with DS 1:1, how long they will spend with DS. Ask if the EP will make recommendations for the need for further assessments where they believe they are necessary - sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t.

Finish by asking them to ensure the report is detailed, specified and quantified and requesting the report is sent to you at the same time as it is sent to the LA - you may receive push back on this, but if you request it, it should be done.

Absolutely tell the EP everything you’ve mentioned. Even small things build up a bigger picture.
Make sure you also put it in writing when you’re asked for feedback as part of the EHCP process so it goes in the final.

Hey fellow SEND mama,

I can totally relate to how overwhelming and frustrating this all feels — the EHCP journey is no joke. You're absolutely right to be questioning what's happening at nursery and how it's impacting your son.

Yes, 100% bring all of this up with the EP. That meeting is the perfect opportunity to make sure your son's needs and your concerns are properly heard. Mention everything — the limited hours, the lack of inclusion on walks, the biting incidents, the fact that the SALT recommendations aren’t being followed, and your concerns about the nursery's ability to manage and reflect his true needs. Even if they say “he’s okay,” that doesn’t mean his needs are being fully met or understood. The EP needs the full picture, not just the nursery’s limited view.

I don’t know if this will help, but I’ve found a few bits through my Twinkl membership that really helped me feel more prepared and a bit less alone in the process. There's a Twinkl Parents SEND Facebook group too — the admin in there was genuinely helpful when I was lost in it all.

Here are some of the resources I used (The parent guide to the EHCP application and review process and tips for parents/carers attending an EHCP meeting for the most helpful):
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/parent-support-send-parents/school-support-parent-support-send-parents/ehcp-and-send-support-school-support-parent-support-send-parents

You're doing an amazing job, it’s hard advocating for your child when it feels like you're having to do all the chasing, but your voice is so important in this. You're the expert on your little one. Keep going... you’ve got this 💪

Yes tell the EP everything. Write out a developmental history for your child, or just key points that you want to raise so that you have a bit of structure.