Using Ehcp funding for independent specialist school?

[rainbowfairydust]

Hi,
Our son has just got an ehcp due to Asd and problems accessing classes etc. Although he has bonded with his teacher this year and it's made all the difference. Anyway, we need to apply for a secondary place this year and although there is a mainstream with an asd unit locally, I don't know if he will get a place, and I don't think he would make it to all the separate lessons in the main part of the school. I'm feeling quite stressed and anxious myself over how anxious he will feel and how disastrous school life could become again.
I saw a post about independent specialist schools and I wondered if the current ehcp funding could be used towards independent specialist school fees and us pay the remaining balance? I did Google this and the info confused me even more!

Unless the school you want is wholly independent (i.e. not a section 41 independent) the LA can only refuse to name your preference for 3 reasons:
*The setting is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs (“SEN”) of the child or young person; or

• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.

If an independent specialist school is named in section I the LA have to pay the fees. The majority of independent specialists won't allow parents to self fund.

Sometimes some LAs will come to an arrangement for independent mainstreams with parents paying the fees and the LA paying for the SEN support. Although, LAs can also say parents paying the fees means the parents are making suitable alternative arrangements and therefore they are relieved of their duties. I have never heard of a similar arrangements for SS.

More information here:

www.ipsea.org.uk/choosing-a-schoolcollege-with-an-ehc-plan

I would suggest you start looking at what other options are available out there. Information about schools may be found on the Local Offer of your LA and that of any neighbouring LAs.

• To search for schools by local authority:

get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/

• Section 41 special schools:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-special-schools-and-colleges

• Independent special schools and colleges:

www.specialneedsguide.co.uk/

If you choose a school out of area -information about transport to and from school:

www.ipsea.org.uk/children-of-compulsory-school-age-aged-5-to-16

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/575323/Home_to_school_travel_and_transport_guidance.pdf

Great info above and yes it’s possible to get anIndependent specialist school named and fully funded as my son was

Lathbury of you don'tind me jumping , how did you get la to pay. Am in a teal Jam mine is in independent after disastrous state no helpoved to independent and after 3 years they say can't accomadate...its pretty much dyspraxia so English and Maths with handwriting really

@Gottobesaid

Lathbury of you don'tind me jumping , how did you get la to pay. Am in a teal Jam mine is in independent after disastrous state no helpoved to independent and after 3 years they say can't accomadate...its pretty much dyspraxia so English and Maths with handwriting really

You say yours is in independent? I take it this is an independent mainstream ie a normal private school.

@Lanbury refers to independent specialist schools, which if needed, tend to be easier to get an LA to name and pay for than an independent mainstream. However, some LAs reasonably happy to name an independent mainstream if you can demonstrate it meets needs and an LA mainstream can't, though others have a policy of not doing so unless ordered to by a tribunal.

On another note - given this thread may become active again and others may want the advice.....

I know it was a year ago now but @10brokengreenbottles says she's never heard of LA part funding an independent specialist. I certainly know my LA has funded fees at one dyslexia specialist - non section 41 - where parents offered to pay the therapy costs (to keep cost down below the LA choice school) and one where the parent agreed a specific contribution towards the fees with her paying anything above that (of course as fees rise annually, so will her contribution). In at least one of those cases it was named as parental preference so LA did not need to pay travel. So - it can be done.

Sprongle it is good to hear some LAs are willing to come to an agreement for independent specialist schools. I still haven’t come across an LA willing to do it so it is good to know.

They did a deal with someone on EOTAS simply on cost grounds, so I hear, despite a school saying yes.

Sprongle I have heard of LAs doing the same/similar with EOTAS when a school can meet needs but the school is more expensive than the EOTAS package the parent will accept. I also know some will give a limited EHE budget even when a school could meet the pupil’s needs.

Hi, do you get your child into an Independent special school from a mainstream provision? Can anyone help please?

Sorry how

Sol you would be better starting your own thread. Does DC have an EHCP?

She has a statement

Are you in NI or Wales? The systems and laws are different in different countries. If in Wales what year is DD in and when will she transition to an IDP?

Thanks for replying. We’re in Wales and sorry I have no idea about when we will transition.