Draft EHCP, help please

[Bellona]

Received draft EHCP for son other day (ASD). Taking into account when it was dated and time it took to get to me in post we have 10 days left to respond.
We did not know it had been approved and was getting a draft form. After being rejected for application once we were told now being assessed and LA sent someone into school to meet me, staff and child individually.
I've copied it and scribbled all over it as nowhere near appropriate IMO. Pretty much describes the strategies and support he has already received for the last 2 years on the SEN register which is not working (he already has 1-1 support for all lessons put in place by the school)
Wording is also ambiguous "seek support from occupational therapy team". He's already had referral and discharged before assessment for EHCP was approved so no idea what this is for. No mention of needing support from speech and language for social communication which is issues predominant in all reports on the attached appendixes.

I contacted to ask about naming schools, with it being holidays not able to look around. They told me there is nothing in there to suggest it should not be anything other than mainstream with additional support. I wanted to push for mainstream with focus provision as he has many sensory needs and current school struggling to cope/ meet his needs. Dont want to leave it blank and have them put in current school. Called nearest FP and they said they would not take him as their provision is full with waiting list and they already turning away suitable children. No point in looking round if cant access it. The school told me similar across the LA but there are new FP units due to open this September which LA have list of. This is when I contacted LA about schools they told me he should be staying in current mainstream school.
I was told he should have a new placement by October half term if I wanted him moved, which means can write off his education for another term, half a term at current place trying adjust to new staff and classroom getting excluded for behaviour at lunch then half or more settling into a new setting

Do they have to listen to and make the changes to section F that I request?
Can I name the type of school setting instead of an actual school and add current place not appropriate?

Been suggested to name a private school in hope they will provide me with a list of suitable alternatives, unfortunately although great for ASD children its not mainstream setting and dont want to take him out of this if he can cope.

EDIT: Child is primary, starting year 4 Sept.

Have a look at chapter 9 of the Code of Practice, especially paragraph 9.69 which sets out exactly what should be in each section of the plan. SOS SEN have produced a really useful booklet on EHCPs which you might find useful - www.sossen.org.uk/news.php.

Also check that they have done the right assessments, including if appropriate things like speech and language and occupational therapy.

Are you happy the needs assessment has been carried out correctly and fully? It's the LAs duty to seek AND OBTAIN advice from
Relevant services to help your child access education.

You can request a two week pause in the process due to schools being shut for longer than a 4 week period. You'll need to dig out the legislation reference. Do you have a copy of it or any notes?

Have you contacted ipsea or sendiass for help

There's a Facebook group v good. EHCP Experiences England.

My tick list would be
1.has the needs assessment been done properly. If not, LA need to do it and pronto.

1. 2 week pause
2. Contact schools you are interested in arrange viewings for first week back, some reply to emails over the summer break.

Has he had an EP assessment recently?

Thanks for responses.
After seemingly battling with everyone to get anywhere for child I contacted and had a pleasant meeting with the LA who were completely on side and now have a second draft that I'm happier with. All changes I asked for we made and they even suggested improvements of their own that better suits.
They have added in referral to speech and language and to follow their recommendations. They have also taken copies of additional reports on sensory needs that they did not have prior to back up some of my requests. He has an EP report termly, I've given them a copy of the most recent one as their copy was at least 8 months old.
It appears schools locally are being difficult. Refusing telling parents they are full, refusing visits even for children with a place according to independent support group. LA told me that if make it clear current school not suitable and don't name a school they have to chase it up once finalised as cant leave school blank. Ive named every FP in the borough to make it clear what school I want for him. Hopefully will get somewhere with schools now.

It's not legal to include provision in the EHCP which simply says that a child will be referred to SALT and the school should follow their recommendations. What will you do if you disagree with the SALT's recommendations? You wouldn't have any legal way of challenging that. As a minimum, you need the LA to agree that the EHCP will be amended once they have the SALT recommendations, and that they will ask the SALT to advise in detailed and specific terms to enable them to comply with the requirements of paragraph 9.69 of the Code of Practice.