SEN help

[Jack23]

My son has just been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. I’m at a bit of a loss as what to do now. Should I get an EHC assessment and is he entitled to any financial help?
There is a mainstream independent school that specialises in dyslexic children but it’s very expensive, could we get help to attend the school?
Thanks 🤔

EHCPs are based on needs, not diagnosis. Independent schools (specialist and mainstream) can be funded by EHCPs if necessary. The threshold for an EHCNA is relatively low - a) has or may have SEN, and b) may need SEN provision to be made via an EHCP.

If by financial help you mean benefits, DLA is also based on needs, not diagnosis, so it depends on DS’s needs.

It's the " b) may need SEN provision TO BE MADE VIA AN EHCP ' that can be the trip up. The local authority will usually say that the provision needed is within the resources of a mainstream school without the need for an EHCP. That's when the appeals and tribunals come in!