EHCP question

[Whysomanyfoxes]

We find out at the end of the month if we will be issued an EHCP for our primary aged child.

Running at the same time as the EHCNA has been a meeting with, and agreement from CAMHS to assess for ASD. Timeframes for this is for assessment/ diagnosis is the early new year.

My question is this… if DC is issued with an EHCP a few months before an ASD diagnosis, where does that leave us with section F of EHCP? If we wanted an ASD specialist school (a diagnosis is a formality as it’s universally considered DC is ASD), but a specialist school needs a diagnosis to accept a child, what are our options? Wait a whole year for review? Or is there another option?

DC has other needs, all of which we feel could be met at one particular ASD school locally to us (which is wholly independent).

I know an EHCP is based on needs rather than diagnosis, but ASD schools need the diagnosis, as well as an EHCP. It’s just that ours (if issued) won’t happen at the same time.

The LA have, to date, been very good at keeping to timescales.

Thanks in advance!

The placement is in section I, not F. Some ASD specialist schools won’t admit without a formal diagnosis, but some will, so have you specifically asked?

What I would do is appeal (as late in the timescales as possible) when the EHCP is finalised in the hope you have a diagnosis fairly soon afterwards. I don’t normally recommend participating in mediation, because LAs use it as a delaying tactic, but you could use it as a delaying tactic.

You can request an early review. Unfortunately, LAs don’t have to agree and if that happens there’s no right of appeal. You would then have to either wait for the AR or request a reassessment of needs but you would be best waiting 6 months from the previous needs assessment as if the LA refuse to undertake a reassessment there’s no right of appeal if there has been a needs assessment within the last 6 months.