Please help me understand the system

[Gekkouga]

DC (ASC) is in y5 with an EHCP in a state primary. Academically doing fine, some social communication difficulties, sensory issues (not extreme) and issues with executive function (ie organisation).

My view is that DC might struggle in a large mainstream secondary mainly because of it being large, noisy and overwhelming. We are considering small nurturing independents - if we can get a place. We can just about scrape together enough of our savings to send DC to an independent, but would hope that the EHCP funding could be transferred over to the independent for the additional SEN support.

Starting to visit schools (both state and independent) but really struggling to find any literature that sets out the whole process from year 5 onwards with the EHCP and school application. Have looked at IPSEA website already. Is there such a guidance document or can someone explain in a nutshell what the process is?

Thanks so much.

Also if any advice about steps we can take now to collect evidence to support our application that would also be much appreciated.

It is possible for mainstream independent schools to be named in the EHCP, so the LA will pay the fees and SEN Support. You would need to prove the LA’s preferences couldn’t meet DC’s needs &/or it isn’t unreasonable public expenditure. You would also need an offer of a place. Sometimes LAs will come to an agreement whereby parents pay the fees and the LA pay the SEN Support, but not all LAs will all the time. Some will say you are making suitable alternative arrangements thereby relieving them of their duties.

Also, be aware not all independent schools are supportive of SEN, especially to the level the pupil has an EHCP.

The Y5 AR may touch on secondary school options. The Y6 AR should be held early in the autumn term. You will be given the opportunity to state your preference - some LAs like to ask parents for multiple choices &/or apply via the normal admissions arrangements as well but you cannot be forced to or penalised for not. Legally you only need to state your preference. The amended EHCP for secondary must be finalised by 15th Feb of Y6.

When was DS last assessed by EP, OT, SALT? If these aren’t up to date you could ask for a reassessment of needs in preparation. Speaking to secondary SENCOs is also worthwhile.

@Thatsnotmycar thank you so much. So, in summary:

• year 5 annual review is largely irrelevant in relation to secondary school applications, although I take your very good point that it’s a good opportunity to bring up concerns about secondary school transition and therefore request additional assessments to help assess needs for secondary school. Previous assessments are rather old, dating back to year 2 I think and DC has certainly made a lot of progress since then in a lot of areas, although the secondary school transition is a new cause for concern.
• year 6 annual review needs to take place ASAP in the autumn term, is that where we name preferred schools? So ideally we need to have attended all open days in year 5 and have a clear idea of what we want? Have you any idea of the LAs that are more sympathetic to requests for independent schools - we are in South London.

I accept it will be difficult to get support for an independent from the LA. We are prepared to pay the school fees but would ideally like the additional funding for the EHCP to be carried across. I really do think the main concern is the overwhelming environment of a school with 150 + pupils in each year, large premises, very strict rules on behaviour etc. So our rationale for an independent is that we’re looking for somewhere small that offers focused attention on each pupil. But there aren’t many that I can see that are like that and accepting of SEN so we may not find somewhere suitable in the end… We’ll see.

Thanks again for your advice

I wouldn’t say the Y5 AR is irrelevant as secondary transition is often touched on and you want the EHCP in good shape in preparation, but it isn’t the phase transfer review. That is the Y6 AR held in the autumn term.

Each LA varies slightly in how they like parents to name their preference, some request completed forms, multiple choices etc. by certain deadlines, but you can’t be forced to go along with this process and can’t be penalised for not. Legally you only have to name one preference via the phase transfer AR process. It’s a good idea to know where you want beforehand.

With such old reports it would be a good idea to request a reassessment of needs in the near future, so that if you have to appeal a refusal to reassess or amend you have time before the phase transfer review.

I don’t know which LAs local to you are more likely to name independent schools. I do know Surrey and Sutton do name them sometimes, although couldn’t say how they compare to other surrounding LAs. Be aware if you move LA the new LA will review the EHCP and potentially reassess, amend or cease to maintain, so moving would be risky.

On the government performance tables you can see which schools have a higher % of pupils with EHCPs, it’s worth looking at which schools local to you have pupils with EHCPs.

@Thatsnotmycar thank you so much, that’s really helpful.