Primary help

[greyinganddecaying]

My DC is on the SEND register because he has global developmental delay.

He's very behind his classmates because of this and also lockdown, having missed a lot of school.

We've been advised (by professionals outside school) to get him some one-to-one help.

I'm prepared to pay for this privately if necessary, but have no clue how to find someone who could provide this.

Also, should I expect the school to provide some elements of this support? I know that staff are overstretched, but isn't this part of SEN provision?

I have a virtual meeting planned with school in the next week, but would really appreciate any advice.

Yes the school absolutely need to make provisions for him. Ask for a meeting with the school SENDCo and class teacher to start.

Is this a state school or a private school? If it is a state school, request that they apply for an EHCP. If they refuse, apply yourself! You will not be able to provide 1:1 support yourself in a state school, it simply isn't practicable. Private schools however can and do expect parents to pay for 1:1 support, it is usually in the terms and conditions!

Thanks! I've requested a meeting with SENCO, so hopefully that'll start the ball rolling.

It's state education. We talked about an EHCP before he started school but it was generally felt by the SEN assessment people that he wasn't delayed/"in need" enough to qualify

I've made some enquiries about private tutors for EYFS, in case school can't/don't offer us what he needs.

You should apply for an EHCNA. You can make a parental request yourself, IPSEA have a model letter you can use. The threshold is a) has or may have SEN, and b) may require SEN provision to be made via an EHCP. Any other test or hoop the LA want you to jump through is unlawful. There is no requirement to be delayed/behind at all, so it is not lawful to refuse because DS isn't behind enough.

Thanks all. The SENCO said that she felt all his needs were being met in class activities. I disagree. So we're (parents) going to apply for an EHCNA.

What happens if they agree to do a needs assessment? Especially if school don't think he needs anything additional? Who else contributes to the assessment?

If the LA agree to assess they must consult

"a) the child's parents or the young person;
b) educational advice (usually from the head teacher or principal);
c) medical advice and information from a health care professional;
d) psychological advice and information from an educational psychologist;
e) advice and information in relation to social care;
f) advice and information from any other person the local authority thinks appropriate;
g) where the child or young person is in or beyond year 9, advice and information in relation to provision to assist the child or young person in preparation for adulthood and independent living; and
h) advice and information from any person the child's parent or young person reasonably requests that the local authority seek advice from."
SEN regs 6(1)

H can include SALT and OT. Make sure to put any requests in writing.

If an EHCP is issued and the provision is specific and quantified the school must provide it regardless of whether they think it is necessary.

If an EHCP is not issued, I'm guessing that the results of any assessments/recommendations don't have to lead anywhere?

School should use the assessments to inform the SEN Support they provide, and needs highlighted during the social care assessment should be met.

If an EHCP is not issued you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal.