EHCP or keep nagging the school?

[ohflipit]

My daughter is in year 9, has Aspergers and severe anxiety and is struggling a lot in school. Her attendance this term is about 25%. Her mental health is very bad and she says she just can't cope with life. The school can meet her needs, but they just are not doing so. She needs a quiet space to go to, and LSA support in a few lessons. Thus, I think, should be with the schools £6000 budget. Because of this will we get an EHCP or will we be told to just ask the school for more help? I suppose I'm hoping for a way of forcing the school to support her.

I'd ask for an EHCNA yourself, citing your daughter's mental health issues and her poor attendance record (surely this has been flagged up to the EWO?) which is the result of the school not meeting her needs.

www.ipsea.org.uk/ehc-needs-assessments

I am an LSA in secondary and support students both with and without EHCP, but if there are students in different classes needing support, the EHCP students takes priority.

I would apply for the EHCP myself and keep a written communication trail with the school - form tutor and senco, maybe even the head of year - to make sure everyone is aware of her needs and how best to support her in the meantime. Our responsibilities to students without EHCP don't change.