When to start the EHCNA/ ehcp process for starting reception?

[1990shopefulftm]

DS was born in November 2020, so would be starting school in September 2025.

He's non verbal and has some developmental delays (probably ASD, if not something else on top is what we have been referred for) , no diagnosis or support from the NHS as we re stuck on the waiting lists but at this point it's quite clear that mainstream isn't going to work out. So just thinking ahead of when we need to get the ball rolling to be sure he could have a place somewhere suitable in time ?

Now. That will give time for the inevitable refusal to assess, mediation, refusal to agree and so on and so on!

Another one saying now. Some have to appeal, some more that once, and you want to leave as much time as possible in case you have to. If an EHCP is finalised before then, brilliant, support can be put in place before reception.

So if miraculously it did go well (of course I really don't expect them to keep to timescales like anything else doesn't) and we got through the process whilst he still has a while at nursery.

Is that that we d then just go through the review process to name a school at the appropriate time?

If there is already an EHCP in place, a review would be held in the autumn term next year as part of the phase transfer. Then the amended EHCP will be finalised by the 15th Feb 2025 naming the reception placement.

BTW, if the LA doesn't stick to the statutory timescales you can enforce them, via judicial review if necessary.