Starting school

[numberblocks54321]

Hi,

DS got first choice reception place for 26/27 at local mainstream primary school. But now I’m panicking about mainstream full stop.

He has an EHCP in process at the moment. He has a formal diagnosis of ASD with PDA profile. His main issues are sensory (getting overwhelmed) and social issues with peers. He loves other kids but they don’t like him (he gets in personal space, can’t read their emotions etc). He also struggles with demands but can have deep understanding on his own terms , for example fantastic at maths and is very enthusiastic about times tables etc. He can read phonics. Poor fine motor skills like colouring

I know no one can tell me how he’ll do. But it seems like his issues aren’t significant enough for a specialist school (right?) but I’m worried he won’t cope with mainstream. Eurgh

If he doesn’t cope you can request his review is moved earlier. How much support is in his ECHP?

It’s understandable that you’d be worried. There would usually be a transition meeting between his current setting and the school supported by professionals involved.
A one page profile completed with your help should be a good starting point for staff to get to know him and to outline any strategies.
The EHCP should reflect his needs and specify support and interventions.
I’d make an appointment with the SENCO and share your concerns. Hopefully they will be able to reassure you and answer your questions.

His EHCP is at the stage where he’s seen community paediatrics and he’s about to be observed by educational psychologists. Seems to move at snail pace 😭

The EHCP will specify a school which will override anything given in the normal admissions process, though you can still ask for the same mainstream. The needs and support required (sections B & F) will also feed into what type of school is required. Based on what you've said I suspect they'll push for mainstream (because it's cheaper) and see how it goes. This isn't actually a bad plan given what you've said, but you could look at whether any schools in your area have ARP (they call them different things in different areas but it's a base within a mainstream school). Be aware though that at primary school level these often cater to children with higher needs such as being non-verbal or several years behind developmentally.

Request a meeting with the SENCO to discuss support.

What week of the EHCP process are you on? Is the LA sticking to the timescales?

A word of caution, if you are only at the EHCNA stage, there is still the possibility of the LA refusing to issue and forcing you to appeal.

At least you got a place in a school.
I know of a family 2 kids and the schools in their town have turned them down,
until they are both potty trained.
Parents said its the teachers job to do that, kids are 5 years and 6 years old.

@Venusx it isn’t lawful for schools to refuse to admit because DC are not toilet trained. If the family in your post want school places for their DC, they don’t have to accept that unlawful behaviour. They should go back to the LA and schools.