DD diagnosis is taking ages, I'm worried for secondary

[samarcanda]

We are stuck in CAMHS' endless waiting list fro over a year and a half. My DD is to be assessed and suspected to be on the autism spectrum. She is in Year 4 and with a lot of lobbying I have managed to get the school to support her. They do a lot more I hoped for without a proper diagnosis, however I am really worried about secondary.
Our local comprehensive school is problematic (knife crime, bullying etc) and all the others are selective.
Having coached my older son through the 11+, I don't think my DD would every manage timed tests (she has anxiety, sensory issues and although academically at expectations, she is very slow in working).
I have read about the education plan, but if we don't yet have a diagnosis, the whole plan will take years to get. I have only about two years to make sure she goes to a secondary school where she can be supported!

What shall I do? Is there any point in initiating the education support plan now? I feel completely abandoned in a limbo, every-time I call CAMHS for an update on her situation, the receptionist laughs and says she'll put a note for them to call me back, but they never do.

We can't afford the private school route, so what else can I do?

thanks and sorry, I'm still new to the whole thing and trying to absorb information to help my DD as much as I can!
x

In my area, the wait for an ASD assessment is 2-3 years now. You could get lucky and get seen any day now - especially if there's a cancellation but I know how endless it can seem.

You do have a bit of time - I put my DS's application in for an EHCP in the Sept of Yr5 and it was all in place for his secondary transfer. However, you are right to be thinking about it now as you may have to factor in several appeals (especially if you are thinking of requesting an out of borough school).

An EHCP is awarded based on need, not diagnosis. The legal benchmark for an assessment is pretty low, it's something like: 'has or may have special additional needs'.

Ipsea have lots of great information about the process. I applied using their template letter as my DS's primary Senco would not support the process. This was despite my DS having a diagnosis and really struggling.

Have you spoken to your DD's Senco about applying for an EHCP? If they are already putting support in place for her they may be receptive.

www.ipsea.org.uk/making-a-request-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment

Agree absolutely with PP.

Apply for the EHCNA yourself using the model letter on the link above.

Ok great, thanks!
I haven't yet mentioned it to the Senco but I will in our next meeting.
Does the school need to provide any input?
How do I know which school will be good for my DD?
Do I need to decide now and mention it on the plan?

@samarcanda

Ok great, thanks! I haven't yet mentioned it to the Senco but I will in our next meeting. Does the school need to provide any input? How do I know which school will be good for my DD? Do I need to decide now and mention it on the plan?

If the LA agrees to assess the current school will be asked to provide information.

In my experience you know when you have found the right school. Look round all the schools in your area and go with your gut instinct. If there's nothing suitable in your own LA, look further afield.

But you are a long way off having to name a school. The LA first has to agree to carry out an EHC needs assessment and then if they do that, they have to agree to issue an EHCP (Unfortunately it's not a given, and many parents find themselves having to appeal. )

The link PP posted above explains everything.

Will a diagnosis make any difference to what school she can go to? My ds has a diagnosis for ASD and it wouldn't have helped him get into a different school other than one he was in catchment for or one that was under subscribed. I wouldn't want my vulnerable dc at a school with a rep for bullying and knife crime but I don't know what options you have? I'd be considering moving tbh but hopefully you can find an easier solution.

It's not a diagnosis that means a parent/carer can request a particular school, it's having an EHCP:

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

The only difference having an ASD diagnosis would make is if someone is requesting either an autism specific school or an autism resource base in a mainstream school.

ok, thanks, I think I understand much more now how an EHCP works.
I'll start working on it.
There is another local school that is much better and accepts children with SEN as a priority, but I think they need an EHCP. I need to do much more research about schools

You can do your own application for the EHCP.
You have to apply for your daughter to be assessed initially. That's half the battle.
My DD's school declined to apply as they didn't feel she'd get it as there were 'dozens of kids worse than her' )
I did it (long process and not without stress) but we got it. School were full of congratulations... but had to provide support. It meant we'd got it in time for secondary school but that's a whole different story

There is another local school that is much better and accepts children with SEN as a priority, but I think they need an EHCP.

All schools must admit pupils with EHCPs if the school is named in the EHCP.

Some schools have an exceptional medical or social needs category as part of their normal admissions arrangements. However, the bar for being considered under this is relatively high, you need evidence why the school is the only school that is suitable.

I see, thanks ! So on what basis does one name a school on the EHCP ? This other local school differs from our local because of smaller class sizes, better pastoral care, no tolerance of bullying etc

@Eyesofdisarray

You can do your own application for the EHCP. You have to apply for your daughter to be assessed initially. That's half the battle. My DD's school declined to apply as they didn't feel she'd get it as there were 'dozens of kids worse than her' ) I did it (long process and not without stress) but we got it. School were full of congratulations... but had to provide support. It meant we'd got it in time for secondary school but that's a whole different story

Thanks- i have the feeling our school will also resist the application

Unless wholly independent the LA must name your preferred school unless:
-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.

Most parents preferred school is the one they believe is most suitable for their DC's needs.

But, as Ellie posted, that is a long way off. Focus on submitting an EHCNA request first.