@AmIBeingTwatty
She said that he would need 1-1 support in a mainstream, but then we were told that EHCP funding wouldn’t cover the cost of this.
She hasn’t yet produced her assessment for the EHCP so yet to see whether they’re going to recommend special or not. Ideally I would like to be visiting prospective schools, but that’s not possible at the moment. Hopefully once schools reopen we will be able to do this.
I feel like it’s been very mixed messages and we’ve found it very difficult.
Is it possible to name a mainstream independent in the EHCP? Does anyone know if we would also have to cover the cost of a 1-1 in this scenario on top of fees, or would the LA cover the 1-1 cost if its named in his plan?
Sorry, I’m new to all this, which is probably clear, and just want to be armed with as much knowledge as possible so I’m not fobbed off.
What she’s told you is bollocks. Both my twins have full time 1:1 in their specialist school but I had to get private EP reports and go to tribunal to get this. If the EP establishes that 1:1 is needed, that goes into section F of the plan. Every single provision in section F has to be funded either by the school as part of their existing budget if mainstream, or by the LA to make up the difference.
Unfortunately LA EPs will usually not write that 1:1 is required even when it’s blatantly obvious. They’ll say things like “high level of adult support”. I would love to tell you that it’s possible you’ll get a good enough report from the LA EP but I’ve been around EHCP groups for two years now and I’ve never seen it happen. Unfortunately to get a properly specified plan and the right placement you often need to appeal.
Independent schools are tricky and it’s quite complex. Essentially the main thing it comes down to is cost. The LA will want to name the closest, cheapest school that can meet needs. If a mainstream school says that they can meet the needs in the plan, the LA will name it and you would need to appeal.
Independent mainstream schools are obviously more expensive than state mainstream schools, but significantly cheaper than specialist. So if no mainstream schools can meet needs then you’re more likely to get an independent mainstream named than a specialist.
There’s also the issue of whether an independent school is on the section 41 list or not which has an impact on how things proceed. This info from IPSEA is really helpful, as is all the info on their website. It’s a good idea to stalk their helpline booking page to get an appointment to ask lots of questions.
www.ipsea.org.uk/choosing-a-schoolcollege-with-an-ehc-plan
You can also ask your local SENDIASS service for advice, but be warned - some are great, some are not.