Council agreed to asses for EHCP, how to request a special school

[BelleMarionette]

After a long battle, the council has now agreed to assess for an EHCP. My child has autism and average intelligence, however is not able to access mainstream schooling (classrooms too busy, class of 30 too much, not able to cope even with a full time one to one).

I would like to have her moved to an autism special school, which takes children of normal intelligence. Class sizes much smaller, and hopefully an environment that would work for her.

I understand the council will resist this because of cost. Any ideas for how to get this named on the EHCP?

Make sure all the necessary assessments e.g. SALT, OT are undertaken and the reports are detailed, specified and quantified. Provision from the reports will inform the EHCP, so if the reports are lacking the EHCP won’t accurately represent DD’s needs and the SEP she requires.

Following the EHCNA the LA will decide whether to issue or not. If they do issue you will get a draft, at this point you will be able to name your preferred school. Unless the school is wholly independent 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.
Having said that, LAs often refuse to name the preferred school and force parents to appeal.

It helps if the EP is in agreement about special. You can usually tell by the report they've written and the provision set out.

You can give your preference for type of setting as part of the process.