School appeals

[Cocoa1]

Hello, I am new to this chat. I am writing this as I would love to hear from anyone who has a child with and EHCP and has had to appeal a secondary school placement with the LA. My child needs specialist provision but the LA have named a mainstream one which is not suitable at all. I would really appreciate any advice/guidance. I know there is a wealth of information out there but some real-world experiences would be welcomed right now as I am feeling very anxious about this whole process.

Advice is to appeal B&F as well as I because I will be written in a way that supports the placement the LA have named in I.

Don’t bother with mediation, just get the certificate and submit to SENDIST. LAs often use it as a delaying tactic, if they are going to concede they will do so regardless of whether you actively partake in mediation or just get the certificate.

Do you have evidence? Consider getting independent reports.

Ipsea has some detailed information here:

www.ipsea.org.uk/appealing-against-the-school-or-other-setting-named-in-your-ehc-plan

It can be hard to get hold of them but Ipsea and SOS!SEN both operate free phone advice helplines. You may have to keep trying every day.

I've not been through this myself but two of my friends have. They both won their tribunals to get their Dc into 1) a specialist residential school and 2) a special school. They both did it all themselves without lawyers.

There are some very knowledgeable, helpful people on this board who may be able to help with specific questions you may have.

@Imitatingdory and @Toomanyminifigs thanks so much for responding. Really appreciate it. I do have evidence to support and have independent experts (Ed Psych, private SALT, primary school
SENDCO has been very supportive in our case) who all agree that specialist provision is the best option - mainstream is not going to help my son reach his full potential. Reached out to IPSEA and will be talking to them next week.