Moving to a new Local Authority with Special needs child

[Doyley47]

I am a single mum with a 5yr old severely autistic daughter in a lovely London Special school. I am hoping to relocate to Kent to be nearer family for support now I am on my own. Has anyone else had experience of re-location with a SEN child and the processes involved. Grateful for any advice.

We moved back from Spain and it was the only time our LA was actually helpful. Ring the LA you are planning on moving to, speak to someone in their SEN department and ask for advice about schools, availability of places, transport and how they would deal with moving your daughter's statement and provision.

Every region varies, so it is also an opportunity to ask about additional support. For example, Suffolk has an organisation "Activities Unlimited" which gives out grants and organises lots of events, workshops and activities for children with additional needs.

Have a list of questions - it was only by prompting that I found out the information I really needed. Ask for their recommendations - you don't have to act on them but it might give you some insight.

Do you belong to your local NAS group? Try their Kent branch to get a feel for what is really available educationally, socially and health-wise.

If you can, visit the school/schools suggested. I was told I wouldn't get a place in one school locally but visited anyway - as it turned out, it wasn't what I was looking for but the visit was really helpful on focusing that.

Good luck. There is nothing like good family for support .

Thanks for the good advice

I'm in Kent with a child at a SEN school. KCC can be incredibly slow but ultimately helpful once you get the right person. A lot depends on school places being available and whether you have a statement or EHCP. If you have a social worker that might help. If not, request an assessment. There are loads of local charities that can advise. If you PM me I can recommend some.