Child not appropriate for mainstream or special school but need to name secondary school soon!!

[Emcharlierush]

Hi!

So I am in a really tricky situation...DD is 10 and going into yr 6 at mainstream primary. She has Spina Bifida but is mobile, however is incontinent (poo accidents, wears a pull up and catheterises) and has issues with processing and memory which makes the above difficult to manage and learning difficult too. She has an EHCP.

I’m under pressure to give a choice of secondary school by the 5th Oct. However my issue is that I’m worried the local state school (which would usually be the ‘natural’ pathway) isn’t appropriate. It has over 1,500 pupils and I’m worried that she is going to get totally lost in amongst it. I can’t imagine her being able to manage herself in a setting that big, find her way to lessons ect. I’m worried sick that she will stand out too much. I got in touch with the SENCO and she was a bit flakey. She couldn’t give me a solid idea of what they could put in place.

On the other hand, a special school is too extreme for her.

We have a private school locally who have said to me when I enquired they would take her, they have a healthcare centre, small numbers, small class sizes and a nurse on site Monday to Friday. It would be a total dream cone true... but I would need financial help from them or the LA. I have no idea how likely this is.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? I don’t want to name the state secondary school purely because there is no other choice. It doesn’t seem fair. Just because it seems to be the only option doesn’t mean that it’s the right option.

So don't name the secondary school. Tell them to name the independent school as it is the only school that can meet needs.

The LA have a legal duty to review and amend the EHCP by 15th February 2021 as your daughter is transferring to secondary school. If they refuse to name the school you want you will have right of appeal.

www.ipsea.org.uk/annual-reviews-in-advance-of-a-transfer-between-phases-of-education

Are there any other state MS secondaries that might be suitable? You will need to consider others if you want indie.

Without evidence stating MS can't meet DD's needs it will be difficult to get the private MS named. But, with evidence state schools can't meet her needs and that she needs MS because SS is unsuitable it is possible.

Another option is to see if there is a school that has an enhanced resource base for those with physical disabilities within travelling distance. Even if DD isn't in the base the school will be set up for physical disabilities, she won't be the only pupil and staff will have experience.