ADD EHCP

[ADogAndThreeCats]

We are going to have our EHCP meeting at school which I requested at a Local Council. I would appreciate any advice about what to mention, and what to say...

My Y6 DS has ADD and exhibits symptoms of dyspraxia. This includes his PE, coordination and inability to handwrite longer pieces. It's not only about the legibility of his handwriting ( awful) but, most importantly, his hand gets tired very quickly. The handwriting struggle affects the development of his writing skills, particularly in creating stories. Last year, the teacher paid no attention to my recommendation of allowing my DS to type. Only half a year later did the message sink in for her, but it had already affected my son's writing skills.

Therefore, I would like the option of typing longer pieces of accommodation to be included in the EHCP statement, so I don't have to struggle with the lack of communication between SEN and the teacher, to say the least.
We are unlikely to get a 1:1 ratio because my DS is above the expected levels in maths and reading. This is due to the fact that he is very bright and my hard work with him at home. He could benefit from somebody helping him to pay attention as he is inattentive and his mind flies around even during tests.
CAMHS rejected him as he is missing that H in ADHD. He is not impulsive or hyper. He is calm, just inattentive. This is confirmed by the teachers who struggle to keep him focused but not enough for CAMHS
I am struggling to get an appointment with a paediatrician specializing in such cases. My GP says the referral should come from the school, but the school has done nothing despite I have been raising this issue since Year 3.
Now, after I completed the EHCP request, the SEN at school suddenly started panicking and completed the referral to OT. OT responded that they had already spoken with the school's SEN about it and sent a letter requesting referral forms. The school sent me a scan of a letter addressed to the school's SEN lady asking if I had heard about it. I must admit I was shocked that they sent me a letter that wasn't addressed to me and they clearly lost!
Last year, SEN wanted to meet regularly with my son, but it never happened. When I asked why it never took place, I received loads of excuses. I was truly fed up with it and that is why I think that only EHCP may help.

Any advice before EHCP meeting? Many thanks in advance

I’m a bit confused. Is this an annual review of an EHCP, or a meeting at school to put together the paperwork to submit for an EHCNA?

Is he going to get an ehcp? Sounds like he should be able to be supported via ordinarily available provision (ie the teacher gives him a laptop for writing tasks and checks in with him periodically so he isn't left doing nothing).

You could approach your local sendiass to support you to ensure the required adaptations are put in place.

My son doesn't have EHCP. This is the latter to put together paperwork to submit to EHCNA. Thanks for pointing it out. I wasn't clear. Apologies

I agree that, from what you’ve said, the use of a laptop for all writing tasks would be helpful, but wouldn’t necessarily require an EHCP, because using a laptop is quite a normal way of working in the classroom.

It would be useful to have evidence that it is his normal way of working, so that when it comes to arrangements for exams, he will be able to use the technology.

@FatandRoundBouncingontheGround

>You could approach your local sendiass to support you to ensure the required adaptations are put in place.

Yes but I did and said that to the teacher last year. Nothing happened with respect to it between parent evening in Oct when I request it and parent evening in March when the teacher told me my son is not good at writing ( Eureka). They wasted half a year by not listening to what I requested. Or rather they said " yes, yes" and nothing was put in place. I don't want to go through that loops again.
And I think my son needs support with his attention. He may need medication.

An ehcp will not get your child medication.

I just don't think, from the needs you have outlined here, that he will get an ehcp and I think you will be exhausted and embittered by a needless fight. What he needs is for school to do what they know he needs. Has he seen an Ed psych, for example?

>so that when it comes to arrangements for exams, he will be able to use the technology.

that is already lost. he will not pass 11+ because of his handwriting. He writes 1 like 7 and I spent hours with him only on this difference. Hours of exercise that bring no much change :((

So he has fine motor difficulties.

I’m sorry that you’ve been so poorly supported. I am afraid you should be prepared for the decision not to go in your favour as they are likely to deem that his needs can be met by the local offer.

Prescription of medication needs a paediatrician. It may vary depending on area but I have never dealt with a system where the referral has to come from school. The GP should absolutely be able to refer at your request. If possible you may wish to consider seeing someone privately.

@FatandRoundBouncingontheGround

Ed Psych that comes to school spoke with me on the phone and said that he is not a case for her.His behavior is as she described "within the range". She didn't wish to see him

Is EHPC only for underperformers? What can I do that the schools stick to the computer arrangement? I dread to think I will be battling about it all his education :((

What can I do so a specialist actually diagnoses him and do something about his butterfly attention? I am in the loops between school and GP

Sorry but the fact that your son is making progress academically means you probably won't get an EHCP.
Does he need one?
There are different bands, but it sounds like you should be applying for funding to support his dyspraxia etc.
get a referral for an OT, or pay privately. But he's above expected levels. I don't really understand what you're hoping to gain from getting an EHCP?

Sounds like a correct description + ADD. I get notes from the teacher that this week she had to remind him to pay attention only 4 times. And that is considered an achievement week in case of my DS

I can’t see anything in your post suggesting your son would get an EHCP.

Who is the meeting with, and what’s it for? In my LA, a meeting is only held once the SA process has been done and the purpose of that meeting is to go through the draft EHCP.

If your son needs an OT referral, do that. See if they recommend a laptop.
If your son has an ADD diagnosis and may need medication, discuss that with his paediatrician. Medication is usually for the H part though!

Is this an independent school?

I was thinking about SATs next May and subsequently, GCSE etc. If it is demonstrated that it is the student’s usual way of working, then exam arrangements can be made and might include rest breaks, which can also be helpful.

Medication will be prescribed by the medical profession and, as PP said, will have no bearing on whether an EHCP is granted.

Independent schools may have a different way of managing SEND. I have only worked in state schools, so don’t know how the independent sector works,

You can apply for laptops for exams and extra time without an EHCP.
He doesn't need an EHCP

He's highly unlikely to get an EHCP. SEND has moved on a lot since the 1:1 support days.

Lots of teachers prefer children not to use a laptop/computer to type as quite frankly kids aren't usually great at typing so they get very little done.

I don't agree with that EP in that in my opinion, if someone thinks there is a problem, then there is a problem. However, the fact that both an Ed psych and camhs don't think he reaches their "severity zone" makes me think that he doesn't need an ehcp. Ehcps are for children who, despite schools "best endeavours" (this is what it says in the code of practice, the SEN law), are not making progress in their area of difficulty, or whose needs are such that they cannot be expected to be met by the school, using it's funding. Sometimes such children will be able, but they might have severe anxiety or depression or something that means that school can't do everything it needs to. The problem with your son is that his needs seem quite clear, but school hasn't done "best endeavours". They haven't investigated his fine motor skills by referring to OT nor have they supported him in class by giving him alternative ways to record his understanding.

What did sendiass actually do?

@strawberryandcreams

Dear Strawberry, I am simply unsure about the system and who could help. I tried several times via GP to get referred to paediatrician but she says that it is something that schools should do. And with school... they referred us to CAMHS that said that H, the hyperactive aspect is missing and never even met my son.
I kind of hoped ( possibly incorrectly) that EHCP visit may shake SEN to refer him to paediatrician. Maybe they could put a statement that he should be using laptop/tablet whatever for typing. I am not sure where and how to apply for the support for dyspraxia.
What I know is that he needs help.

Is EHCP only for underperformes? But the fact how kids cope at school depends a lot on how much effort parents put at home too. I do put a lot of effort every single day into homeschooling him.

If he has a diagnosis of ADD, without the H, what do you think that will do in terms of increasing his span of attention, unless you are wanting medication.

I think an OT referral is sensible and the use of a laptop in lessons. That will remove the physical effort of writing. He won’t need an EHCP for that and he just needs the teacher to refocus him when he’s off task. Many children need similar reminders.

@Disorganisedmess2023

I am a fast typer but my son is a speeding light fast typer. He is a computer geek who is at the age of 10 programming computer algorithms. This is the only subject for he seems not to need any support. Every single other subject is a result of my sweat at home. Battle to keep his attention. "Yes, I will unblock access to computer if you do this math, this writing" etc

So please stop using the term underperformers. That is not correct. As the person stated above, what an EHCP is for is the area of difficulty. 1:1s aren't really a thing any more. It's more about interventions and extra support in the classroom

You need to schedule a meeting with the SENCO and ask them to put in a referral to the OT.
Concentration as part of ADD, medication is a possible route. Again you need to talk to your paediatrician.

You can make a referral through your GP, or do it yourself online.

It does sound like there is a lot of information and you need some more guidance on how best to support your child.

He doesn't need an EHCP, but the school need to be working with you and putting interventions in place to ensure your child is working to the best of their ability.

I have 2 children, one I have spent hours and hours working with at home and still below ARE. The other one just gets on and is working at greater depth.

My child doesn't need an EHCP, and she wouldn't get one. But she does need extra support at school and lots of pre teaching, which is what her TA is able to deliver.

The school should be making the best endeavours to meet DS’s SEN, diagnosis or not, EHCP or not. You don’t need an EHCP for the school to allow DS to type.

From your posts I’m unsure if a EHNCA request has actually been submitted? If not, you can request an EHCNA yourself. On their website IPSEA has a model letter you can use. If the LA agree to assess an ed psych assessment will be part of the needs assessment. You can also request an OT be part of it. There is more to EHCPs than academic progress. DC don’t need to be behind academically. Be careful with SENDIASS, some are good, but too many repeat the LA’s unlawful policies.

He doesn't have a formal diagnosis. But every single teacher struggles and I struggle with his attention. Y3 teacher could not comprehend that the kid may have high IQ but at the same time ADD so she was yelling at him to the extent that he was weeing bed at night. Year 4 teacher was wiser. Y5 didn't yell but she may have also had problems with attention as she didn't listen to my request for typing but was persistently punishing him and also stressing. We are lucky now with an experienced teacher who obviously she that he is neurodiverse and has ADD
I don't know what could be done, I am not a specialist. Maybe he needs medication.

@YellowRosesWithRedTips
>From your posts I’m unsure if a EHNCA request has actually been submitted?

yes it was. We have a scheduled meeting at school.

>DC don’t need to be behind academically.

thanks for a good word. For a while I thought that I will have to stop working with him at home so they see how he would do with his ADD without my endless work at home. Maybe when he was truly behind they will refer him somewhere

>Be careful with SENDIASS, some are good, but too many repeat the LA’s unlawful policies.

could you elaborate, please. I am completely blonde about this subject

You don't need to be behind to get an EHCP.
You do need to be able to evidence that he won't get the support he needs without one. However to get an EHC assessment you only need to prove he may have SEN and may need a plan.

If I were you and could afford it I would get a private OT assessment, done by an OT who does tribunal work. That will identify what he struggles with and what support should be in place. NHS OT assessments aren't as thorough in my experience.