EBSA advice for DS year 1

[EBSAadvice]

How do you deal with EBSA in primary (yr1)? Do I need to ask for a CAMHS referral?
DS has 62% attendance.

We can’t find a reason although he does have an autism diagnosis and seems overwhelmed. We are seriously considering home education if it gets any worse as I don’t know what to do .

At that age I’d be taking him in every day.

I can’t even dress him he screams fights struggles. He will get accidentally hurt in the process and we don’t want that .

@EBSAadvice is there a special school he could attend instead? So smaller classes less pressure on him? Or would his current school let him go in at a slightly later time so he doesn't feel overwhelmed in the playground?
Could it be the noise that's overwhelming him?

I don’t think he is severe enough to qualify for a special school. We’re struggling to find out exactly what is overwhelming him which I why I wondered about camhs? He seems just terrified and can’t say why and it turns to anger

We have got the option for later starts but it hasn’t helped it seems no matter what the time is he just really won’t go. When he does go he doesn’t speak at all it’s like he’s disassociated himself

@EBSAadvice the wait for camhs might be long
Can you talk to his teacher about the problem? Good luck x

From my friends experience, start the EHCP process now if you haven’t already. Her daughter is now home schooled and awaiting a place in a special school which specialises in EBSA

Yes we are going to do this. It just feels impossible at the moment and he doesn’t seem to cope in mainstream but I don’t know if he’s severe enough for a special school. He just seems so unhappy.

We can’t find a reason although he does have an autism diagnosis and seems overwhelmed.

This is the reason.

What support is the school providing and what have they already tried? What outside agencies have they brought in/referred to? Has he had ed psych, SALT and OT assessments? Has an EHCNA been requested? Is alternative provision in place?

Personally, I wouldn’t EHE. Although not easy, it is often easier to get support when you remain in the system. Crudely, at the moment, you are someone’s ‘problem’. Whereas if you EHE, it is easier for professionals to sweep DS’s needs under the carpet. That doesn’t mean you have to force DS to attend when that isn’t suitable though.

Who has told you DS isn’t severe enough for special school?

Poor wee lad. It sounds like firstly, he needs a break. He's not going to be able to get back onto an even keel, communicate about what he's struggling with, or learn effectively (academic or other types learning) if he's constantly in a state of distress about having to attempt school. This doesn't sound like your basic 'don't really fancy it' resistance that you can just push through.

I think you should be able to request alternative provision for DS's education as he is unable to attend school due to his mental health – the same as you would if he were physically unable. I don't think this would be full time special school at this point, but it would provide some support with his learning and help keep DS on the radar as a child who needs support.