I just wanted to post and share my experiences with EHCP as I know how daunting it can be for parents.
background, DD now 14, diagnosed ASD, self harm etc March 22, on roll at mainstream but not attended since Y8, now Y10, school SENCO is shockingly poor. Been in a CAMHS school for 18 mths, 1 failed managed move to another mainstream with IR, 1 failed reintegration to original school, zero education since September despite my constant calls/emails. Now accepted into a AP EOTAS that I had to find and apply for.
for the last 2 years the SENCO has ignored my DD, no My Plan, risk assessment or meetings of any kind. I applied for the EHCP myself with support from SENDIASS. Due to the information and documentation I sent it was accepted she would be assessed. The SENCO wrote on the school part, school averse and I kid you not that is all it’s says! That’s a gross simplification. Educational Psychologist tried to speak to the head of SEND at school for 2 whole weeks before he made the appointment with me and she refused to speak to him…just avoided his calls and emails. I got the call from the LA yesterday to say they was issuing her with the EHCP. It’s taken 15 weeks from start to finish. Just waiting for the draft so I can make any amendments. I did this with zero help from the school so it can be done.
I have read loads of post on social media outlets about parents struggling and if I can give you 2 pieces of advice it’s this 1) use services and support systems, they help so much and 2) educate yourselves on everything. When I was writing the application I used the support grid and listed all my DDs problems and linked it straight into that. Get someone to proof read anything you’ve written to ensure it makes sense.
Good luck to all the parents on this journey x