EHCP = where to go for advice and do I need one?

[Twigglett1]

I'm having a nightmare trying to understand what to do about an EHCP. This all might be outing information but I don't know where to turn to for help.

We are leaving the country in December to live abroad for 3-5 years.

My little one should start Reception in September 2023. He has learning disabilities and is not ready to go. He is 3 and presents as an 18 month old. I would be delaying him if we were to stay in the UK. I am going to defer him anyway so it is on his records.

My health visitor has said that we should do a EHCP before we leave because then we will have something on his file for when we come back. It may need updating but at least it's there and we won't have to wait for support services to re-engage.

My support worker through the council (IDS) went off sick in May and there was no replacement. The nursery were getting support from her manager who sent them the forms to complete for the EHCP. We find out today that the manager has retired and there is no replacement for her either.

There's a generic email on the form but all emails sent there go into the ether.

I've called SENDIAS today. They will call back within 5 days

IPSEA has not appointment slots.

Can anyone help?
Should we do an EHCP?
Who can help with filling it in?

Why is it this hard? (this one's rhetorical)

It is pointless applying for an EHCNA now if you are moving in December. An EHCP takes 20 weeks, and that’s if you don’t have to appeal which many do, some more than once, so wouldn’t be finalised before the LA were no longer responsible for DS. There’s also an exception to the timescales if the nursery are closed for the summer holidays and the LA request advice during that time and it would be impractical for the LA to stick to the timescales as a result.

It may need updating but at least it's there and we won't have to wait for support services to re-engage.

Your HV doesn’t know how the system works. Any EHCP would cease when you moved out of the LA and the LA were no longer responsible for DS. You would have to reapply for an EHCNA on your return to England.


Has an EHCNA request already been submitted?

Keep trying with IPSEA, slots are put on randomly, and they have a call in session on Fridays. SOSSEN also have a helpline during term time. Be careful with SENDIASS, some are good but too many repeat the LA’s unlawful policies.

Hi thanks so much for replying.

The sen04, family conversation etc. were submitted today. Is that the EHCNA?

I've called IPSEA all day today and haven't been able to get through to them. I think I managed to book an appointment slot but I didn't receive a confirmation email. Do you know if I should have done?

No, the EHCNA is when the LA have agreed to assess. It includes seeking advice from:
“a) the child’s parent 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.”

The family conversation etc. is usually part of initially requesting an EHCNA, although LAs can’t insist their forms are used to make to request.

You do usually get a booking confirmation email. If you haven’t you should email IPSEA.