Stressing myself out regarding EHCP and primary school choice

[PinkDaydreams]

Hello all!

I’m getting myself worked up and stressed regarding education for ds. He’s currently 3.7 years old, speech delayed which he has salt for, diagnosed with autism late last year, due to start school September 2022.

His nursery have told me to apply for a ehcp, stressing about this as I can’t find anything on the local council site on how to apply (currently on hold trying to get through via telephone), nursery have said it’s better coming from a parent as I have more legal rights.

Nursery wise he started a few months back but is going into a much smaller classroom next week with less children and more staff. Hopefully this will help bring on his speech and also help with behavioural issues as pointed out by the staff.

I’m also stressing about primary school as the mainstream one I was going to apply for I have been told (under strict confidentiality) not to apply for it for various reasons. I know I’ve got to put choice of school on the ehcp but I just don’t know which school. I’ve contacted a couple asking if they are having open days and asked if I can come view the school but have been told no open days due to covid.

The next thing I’m panicking about is if my son does need a specialist school or if he will be ok in mainstream but with additional help. I’ve heard once in mainstream it’s difficult to get into specialist if needed. But then I’ve also been told that ds could mimic behaviour he sees at a specialist school.

I guess I’m writing this to try get some things out of my head and to try stop me from stressing a bit.

IPSEA have a model letter you can use here. For an EHCNA application it doesn't matter whether you or nursery apply, but if the LA refuse to assess only parents can appeal. Although, if you apply you know it's done ASAP, rather than waiting for nursery to do it.

It is highly unlikely an EHCP will be finalised by 15th January so you must submit an application via the normal admissions round even if you apply for an EHCNA. If an EHCP is subsequently awarded the school named will override any offer made via the normal admissions round. But, if you don't make an application via the normal admissions round and you have to appeal the EHCP you risk having to make a late application and being stuck with a rubbish school far away.

Can you ask to speak to the SENCOs either on the phone or via email? The assessments will help inform your decision about MS or SS. It is often easier to get a SS place from the start of the phase, so in your case reception, because whilst there are limited reasons the LA can refuse to name your preference and being full isn't enough of a reason on its own there becomes a point they can prove the school is so full admitting DS would be incompatible. This is more likely if you are wanting a place at a later date rather than being considered for a place ago with all the other EHCPs. However, it is possible to move from MS to SS later if needed, many do.

Thank you so much for the link!!

Yes I also thought I'd have to apply for school via normal admission process as the ehcp won't be ready. Frustrating as I asked about applying for an ehcp months ago in his EHAT but was told to wait a few months, ggrrrrrrr.

Good idea regarding speaking to school senco thank you, ive gone off what the nursery senco has told me which is "alot can change between now and September 2022" and that I "should apply for mainstream as I think he will be ok" yes I do understand a lot can change but I don't want to miss out on a SS place if that's what's best. From everyone that's observed Ds they've all said that it's not obvious he's got asd, I think that's why I'm being told that ms "should" be ok for him. But in the nursery class he's in he's not good regarding his social skills, he's hitting alot to communicate although he's smiling when he's doing it. That's why I'm hoping this new smaller class will help him, the teacher/s will be able to hopefully intervene before he hits. His behaviour is also why I'm thinking ss may be better for him?

Sorry to waffle on!

I think you are getting ahead of yourself. SS won't be an option unless you get an EHCP, so focus on applying for an EHCNA for now.

Thank you. I think I'm stressing about a SS because on the ehcp I've seen a section where I have to name the primary school I want ds to attend. Once that school is on the form is that it then I can't change it? Or could a SS be an option further down the line (before September 2022) if needed?

Yes, when you have an EHCP you have to name your preferred placement. However, you have to get to that point first.

You have to get the LA to agree to carry out an EHCNA and then agree to issue an EHCP. When you submit your request it is week 0. And if the LA agree to assess and then agree to issue they have to send you a draft by week 14. However, many parents have to appeal against refusal to assess &/or issue, hence focusing on getting an EHCNA first. And, the assessments as part of the EHCNA will help you decide on whether DS needs MS or SS.

Once a placement is named on a finalised EHCP it can be changed at annual reviews or emergency reviews if necessary.

Honestly thank you so much for your help and advice and for generally now informing me more of the process! I feel much better now after your replies @extremelybumpy.
I've contacted the council to ask for an assessment who have sent me the relevant sen email address for me to contact. That's come back with an automated response so fingers crossed someone will be in touch soon. If I get no joy then I'll ask the nursery and family worker to step in and help. Frustrated that I was told to wait but at the same time no point beating myself up about it, I've just got to crack on with the process now!

Thank you again so much!

The LA have 6 weeks to inform you whether they are going to assess or not.

Have a look at IPSEA and SOSSEN's websites, they have lots of helpful information.