Unable to get any support for our child. Advice?

[AnonymouseMe]

DD is 11. She has ASC and a speech impediment which is severely impacting her self esteem and causing school avoidance.

We have been refused an EHCP for her and we have a registered appeal, but we are locked in dispute with our school and authority over who is best placed to help.

DD does not reach the threshold for referral to NHS salt in our area. We had DD assessed by a private salt who recommended some intensive therapies to help with the impediment, but we can not afford to pay for the ongoing therapies ourselves.

The salt who assessed her privately is used to help other children in the local SEN school. So we asked DDs school if they would refer her to the private salt and they said no.

We therefore asked the authority if there was any way DD could access the salt through them. They said no and said that the private report doesn’t add up if DD can’t be seen by an NHS salt because she’s not severe enough.

We are so upset by this. The salt would be life changing for DD but sadly we simply can not find the funds ourselves (it is long term support). DD is becoming reluctant to talk because of the impediment.

Will the tribunal take in to account the private salt needs? Can we have private salt added in to an EHCP if we win the appeal?

Although frustrating in the meantime, the EHCP appeal is the way to pursue this. Schools don’t have the money to fund ongoing independent SALT without an EHCP.

SENDIST consider independent assessments. SALT can be included in an EHCP, which may or may not be delivered via an independent SALT. Sometimes the NHS deliver SALT to those with EHCPs even when DC wouldn’t otherwise meet the threshold for NHS support.

Thank you @OvertakenByLego . I will be patient for the hearing. School did say it was not something they do (funding) but also they do not agree DD needs an EHCP.

It is reassuring to know she may also be seen by an NHS salt with an EHCP. Can the authority dispute our salt report at the hearing? I’m confused why they would as it was a salt they use themselves, but it’s the private salt provision we would want in an EHCP.

Sadly, some schools do say an EHCP isn’t needed, but parents go on to successfully apply themselves. Don’t let it put you off. The LA may well dispute the SALT’s report.

Thank you again @OvertakenByLego . I can only guess that we will be facing a contents appeal if we win this one. I wish the school supported us, but judging by tribunal statistics, we have a fair chance.