Twins separated by placing them in different schools

[Ianos]

My twin sons have been given different schools even if both have been diagnosed with autism. The response we got from school admissions was that only one of my sons has a EHCP and the other doesn’t have one, he only got a diagnosis.
The distance between the two schools is 6.8 miles and can take up 20 minutes drive. It will be a nightmare getting them to school and back.
We don’t know what to do after making phone calls all day and getting nowhere. The boys don’t want to be separated and got really upset the other night, just can’t believe that families with twins are put trough hard times like this!

Has the son with the EHCP been placed in a specialist provision? If so, he may qualify for funded transport to the school?

No it’s a mainstream school we applied for him , so his twin can get in as well

Lodge an appeal. I suspect you will win this one.

Does the school you want them both to go to have a sibling priority policy?

TAMBA may be able to support you. Have a look on their website.

Sorry, it’s called the twins trust nowadays twinstrust.org/let-us-help/parenting/secondary/going-to-secondary-school.html

Siblings priority is about 6th down the list, so it’s not great.

Twin1 with EHCP. Twin 2 without?

Ask your EHCP plan co at the LA to consult with twin 2's school. They can be directed to take Twin1, therefore they will both be in the same school.

As they are going to secondary school do they both need to be driven there by you most DC make their own way there.

We will have a look at twintrust , thanks

If twin two didn’t meet the criteria for the school then you don’t have much of a case. It sounds like you where trying to use twin ones EHCP to get twin two in via the back door.

Is there no public transport or safe walking route that either can use?

Twins trust is great. Our LA doesn't split multiples and has sibling priority high up too but I've not had go through this with our DTs.
Are able to remain on list of continuing interest whilst you follow up with appeals? You seem to have a strong case, good luck.

I thought there were special rules for twins? I can’t swear to it, but the admission of a twin sibling is an excuse to go over PAN if the school is full?

They are both autistic so yes they will get a lift from me when I’m off work and probably taxis when I’m working. My wife is the carer for both of them, and the schools they’ve been given their are not in walking distance. Unless the council wants to pay for two taxis, but like I said it’s a bit of distress for my boys knowing they are being separated.

It sounds like you where trying to use twin ones EHCP to get twin two in via the back door.*
*
It really doesn't sound like that to me - I can't begin to imagine the sort of person who would think it okay to put twins into different schools or to think that it's unreasonable for parents to expect that they have the same school.

just can’t believe that families with twins are put trough hard times like this!

I don’t think most families with twins are. It would normally only happen if they fall either side of the cut off point. I think your case is probably slightly different.

Secondary appeals work on the principle of balance of prejudice. I.e. the prejudice to twin 2 not attending the school is greater than the prejudice to the school accepting an extra pupil.

It’s worth appealing for the school. Don’t focus on the school run issues. If being separated from twin 1 is likely to be an issue for twin 2 because of his autism that’s worth arguing. As are things that the school specifically offers that would benefit twin 2.

If the appeal fails then looking at changing the school on the EHCP.

"As they are going to secondary school do they both need to be driven there by you most DC make their own way there."

They're both autistic. I don't think you have any idea

Presumably one of the schools is more popular than the other, and Twin 1 only got in because of the EHCP.
So would you be able to move Twin 1 to be with Twin 2, rather than trying to move Twin 2 to be with Twin 1 ?

If twin 1 got in via an EHCP there was always the possibility that twin 2 wouldn't. You should appeal. Whilst transport issues don't normally win appeals, this is a case where they might. Other options would be to get an EHCP for twin 2 - you could then name twin 1's school and get him admitted - or change the EHCP for twin 1 so that he goes to twin 2's school.

This does seem a very stressful time for you. Were you advised by the LA or the SEND team that this would not happen , if so you have an argument for an appeal, if not then you have to be ready for you not being successful in an appeal. Standard advice would be you were taking a risk by applying for an out of catchment school. It is harsh but it arguably has to be as some people don’t play fair.

You should definitely appeal it sounds like a bad decision. Good luck!

I don’t think it’s a bad decision as such, it’s an automatic process. It’s just the OP has an unfortunate combination of circumstances. But that’s part of the reason the appeals process exists.

@Clymene it was not clear from the op that both were autistic or some other SN hence asking!!!

Not to mention plenty of DC with autism still do make their own way to and from secondary school...

That’s such a shame. I can imagine their anxiety and stress levels must be high. Follow prh47bridge‘s advice, they are an expert on appeals. Crossing fingers for you.