Finally have an EHCP (draft). No places available for specialist provision

[xxlostxx]

DD13 was diagnosed ASD end of Y6 after a hard slog in primary through all of juniors. School didn't see it as she's an expert masker and quite honestly, it was not a very inclusive school for any kind of additional needs.

Got through yr7 in new mainstream secondary with lots of bumps in the road but she was on SEN register there, there was a lot more understanding than she'd had at primary and thought we'd cracked it.
Well, it all fell to bits start of yr8. No covid measures in place then so too much moving around school, split from her safety net of a couple of friends as grouped for key subjects.

My dd should be in yr 9 now. She has not attended school for 12 months. The anxiety was crippling for her and I simply could not get her there anymore. I got the ball rolling getting an ehcp and with another long battle we have been issued a draft. Problem now is that because of her age all specialist places that seemed suitable that i wanted are full.
The council seem hell bent on her trying another mainstream. I just know she cannot cope with this.

So does this mean her school life and education is over. She is eager to get back to school, but one that is small and where she can be herself. It looks like such a school doesnt exist! Would love to hear anyone else's journey through this kind of hell and any advise.

Is the school you want wholly independent? Unless it is the LA must name your preference unless they can prove:
-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.

Being full is not defined in law, and on its own being ‘full’ is not enough of a reason to refuse to name your preference. The LA has to prove the school is so full admitting DD is incompatible. The bar is high, higher than many realise. It is more than an “adverse effect”, “impact on” or “prejudicial to”. Unless the school is wholly independent the LA can, and must, name the school regardless of the school’s objections unless they can prove one of the reasons above.

If the LA won’t name your preference push them to finalise ASAP and appeal.

Unfortunately, if the school is wholly independent you need an offer of a place.

It might not be suitable for DD, but have you considered an independent mainstream if you have one within travelling distance that is small, nurturing and willing to admit. If there isn’t a suitable school consider EOTAS.


Is DD receiving any educational provision now?