Likelihood of EHCP success?

[reindeersocks]

Hi all.

Would just like some thoughts if you don't mind.

I have a three and a half year old daughter. Since starting playgroup in January it became apparent that she was having difficulties with her social development, though her cognitive development and speech seem advanced. Fast forward a few months and we have a diagnosis of ASD. DD requires one to one support whilst at playgroup at all times and currently cannot manage to be there for her fifteen funded hours.

I'm completing and EHCP application as I know she's going to need support, probably 1-1 come September when she starts Reception. In support of my application I have:

1. A full report and diagnosis from a child psychiatrist at a private clinic
2. A full report and diagnosis from the NHS community paediatrician
3. A summary of her development from birth (written by me) detailing her difficulties from day one
4. Copies of observation sessions by the playgroup SENCO at home and in the setting
5. A report from the SENCO
6. A copy of an observation session from our Health Visitor carried out at the setting
7. Completed questionnaires by me and the setting set by the private clinic

All of this documentation clearly set out DDs needs and support the view that she required 1-1 support whilst in a school setting.

I've completed the application with as much detail as I can, following online guidance and playgroup are doing section 4. They are fab and I know their bit will be supportive of this also.

All seems positive, we've moved from initial concern to diagnosis (mostly because we went private and the lovely NHS paed was happy to concur with the report after meeting DD) in a matter of a few short months and all professionals involved are so far in total agreement regarding DDs needs.

However I've still heard EHCPs can be a nightmare to get approved. Anyone got any tips for me? Am I missing anything?

Many thanks!

We're awaiting a decision too. His official diagnosis came through this week via CAHMS.
He's in year 2 the school has made the application and I supported it.
We've been warned that it's very hard to get to get one but there is a appeal process and SENIASS can help.

Have you contacted SENDIASS?
I'm very new too this so it might be something else in your area. But they are independent advice service that can accompany you on meetings and help with paperwork etc.
They have been worth there wait in gold for us. X

My experience was that the initial application they pretty much always say no as standard (they did to us anyway) imo they like to test the metal of the application and how much you’re prepared to fight. What you’re actually asking for with the application is for them to agree to assess. So however much evidence you submit in the first round, you’ll need a heck of a lot more. Once you’ve persuaded them to assess, then the next battle is to get them to agree that all the evidence they collate requires the EHCP, This takes weeks and even if it’s a yes, it’s usually a bit feeble with what they’ll offer support wise. Another fight again to get the wording right along with the funding. The bottom line is be prepared for a whole heap of no answers as I don’t know anyone who’s had it plain sailing, but it is possible. I got loads of No’s and now DS fully funded in specialist setting, full time 1:1 etc despite the initial refusal for anything at all!!! Good luck

They may refuse, but if so don't hesitate to appeal - it's a relatively easy process and around 90% of appeals against refusal to assess are either conceded by LAs or won by parents.

By law, they must tell you within 16 weeks of receiving your original request if they are not going to issue an EHCP, and if they are they must finalise it within 20 weeks of that date. If they refuse to assess so you have to appeal, but clock stops at that point but restarts if/when they change their minds or are ordered to assess by the tribunal. You can enforce deadlines by threatening judicial review - www.sossen.org.uk/admin/resources/website-jr.pdf