Wondering if anyone has experience of a appealing an independent secondary school and won if the LA oppose on cost basis at Tribunal?

[yummyeclair]

Just the above . Currently gathering evidence and trying to stay positive as DC will not cope in mainstream with ASD unit according to independent reports. Our preferred specialist school DC does not meet academic criteria. Would appreciate hearing any experience of positive or negative experience.

Is the independent school a section 41 independent or wholly independent?

Even if the independent school is wholly independent if the LA’s proposed school cannot meet DC’s needs the cost argument isn’t relevant. You only have to prove the LA’s proposed school(s) cannot meet needs or it’s not unreasonable public expenditure.

When you say DC doesn’t meet academic criteria what do you mean? Do you think your preferred special school can meet DC’s needs? Unless it is wholly independent if you think it can meet DC’s needs you don’t need the school to offer a place to pursue that option.

LargeLegoHaul thank you for your replies. It is wholly independent & LA funded specialist school refused twice as pupils need to be working within 2 years of expected which DC is not. We are collating evidence as to why mainstream pkus unit cannot support DC needs. Guess I am looking for moral support and handhold as LA is known to go to Tribunal with wholly independent and not likely concede until the day before hearing if they do! We have support of school, Paediatrician.

Did the independent school offer a place?

Yes DC offered place after 2 taster mornings and assessment .