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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Specials school placements are all full

8 replies

Family121 · 28/10/2023 09:13

My son is in the process of his draft ECHP for a specialist school placement due to Autisum and ADHD.

At the moment he is in mainstream school and is struggling, with licking his lips, meltdowns, washing his hands constantly due to his high levels of anxiety. The school has told me my son is in survival mode and it's like I'm throwing him in to a lions den by sending him to school, this has massively impacted his and mine mental health.
My case worker for my son has just told me she has applied for every SEN school in the local area including outside areas and all places are full. His current mainstream school cant meet his needs and due to funding they have cut his 1-1 to half days, the head of the school is talking about excluding him. At the current moment they are cutting his school hours down to half days. His Draft ECHP litraily states if he dosn't go to a specialist school it will massively have a negative impact on him as an adult as he needs specailst therepys, structure and the correct support a specialist place can give him.

I'm a single parent trying to hold down a job which isn't flexible, whilst paying a mortgage. I feel like my whole world is going to collapse. If my son is excluded how will I work? I can't work from home as its impossible for me to do with my job, I'm also a carer for my Mother and I can't expect the only support or the only person in my world to look after and teach my disable son whilst I try and keep a roof over my head.

At the same time I feel like the worst parent in the world as I can't home school, not only because of work but because of the fact that I know I wouldn't be able to cope with him full time all the time, I know it makes me a better parent having a little break from him whilst he's at school, as I get at least 2 working days off where I get the only break from him as his father isn't involved at all.

If I give up my job I won't be able to keep my house or be able buy again, I don't even recive full DLA for him as there is such a back lock.

I've complained to my local MP and the director of education. I don't know what else I can do, has anyone been in this position and if so what can I be doing?

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YellowRosesWithRedTips · 28/10/2023 10:19

Even if you could EHE, it wouldn’t be the right thing to do. Parents often find it easier (but not easy) to get support when they don’t EHE. Crudely, you are currently someone’s ‘problem’. If you EHE, it is easier for professionals to sweep DS’s needs under the carpet and the LA will say you are making suitable alternative arrangements, relieving them of their duty to make alternative arrangements.

Have you looked at all schools within travelling distance (up to 45 mins is considered reasonable for primary although many travel further)? Including out of area schools, independent (section 41 and wholly independent) and non-maintained special schools? LAs often don’t mention these unless parents do.

Unless the school is wholly independent, the LA must name your preference unless the LA 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.

Being full is not defined in law, and for non-wholly independent schools on its own, being ‘full’ is not enough of a reason to refuse to name your preference. The LA has to prove the school is so full admitting DS is incompatible. Obviously there is a point where LAs can do this, but the bar is far higher than many care to admit. It is more than an “adverse effect”, “impact on” or “prejudicial to”. And, unless the school is wholly independent, the LA can, and must, name the school regardless of the school’s objections unless they can prove one of the reasons above. LAs often refuse to comply with this section of law and force parents to appeal, so push the LA to finalise ASAP (are they sticking to the statutory timescales?) and appeal when you have the right of appeal. If MS isn’t suitable and SS are so full placement is incompatible have a look at EOTAS.

Once the EHCP is finalised, the provision in F, including if 1:1 is mentioned, must be provided and can be enforced if written correctly. If the school needs more funding, they should approach the LA - they should do this now anyway as they can receive high needs top up funding.

In the meantime, DS is entitled to a suitable, full-time education. If you want DS to attend full time, he can unless formally suspended. Part time timetables should not be used long term or to manage behaviour. Informal exclusions are unlawful. Easier said than done, but try not to worry about suspension. A formal suspension instead of an unlawful, informal exclusion a) provides evidence of unmet needs to support you pursuing additional SEP/an alternative placement, b) forces the school to follow due process, c) limits the number of days the school can suspend for, d) allow you to challenge any suspension, and e) ensure DS receives alternative education for longer exclusions.

You don’t say how old DS is, but if he is compulsory school age and attending full time or at all isn’t suitable, the LA has a statutory duty to ensure DS receives a suitable full-time education. This should begin once it becomes clear 15 days will be missed. The days don’t need to have already been missed or consecutive. Email the Director of Children’s Services requesting provision under s19 of the Education Act 1996. If the LA delay or ignore you email again threatening judicial review if they don't comply. Then, if that fails, contact SOSSEN for help with a pre-action letter.

Squirre · 28/10/2023 11:01

I'm sorry @Family121 what an awful situation for you and DS.

I'd avoid EHE at all costs. Has your case worker looked at education other than at school with you? It's not straight forward but I know a family in a similar situation who accessed a split timetable until a place was found at a special school. This is a good overview.

www.specialneedsjungle.com/eotas-education-otherwise-than-at-school-what-is-it-and-can-i-get-it/

Family121 · 28/10/2023 15:53

Thank you both so much, and your extemly fantastic information.

@YellowRosesWithRedTips
My son is age 8 and in year 5 in the north east of England. Thank you so much for all your info it had me teary, this info gives me a fab starting point.

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Aroloruns · 28/10/2023 22:37

Get in contact with SENDIAS- they provide free legal advice.

YellowRosesWithRedTips · 28/10/2023 23:02

Be careful with SENDIASS. In some areas they are good, but in many the repeat the LA’s unlawful policies. IPSEA and SOSSEN are better.

Catwoman1985 · 29/10/2023 19:03

You need to consider EOTAS now. Lots of organisations like IPSEA, Sunshine Support etc have great info on this topic. Make sure also that your LA have considered and consulted with independent specials and not just their own and neighbouring area's own special schools.

Family121 · 02/11/2023 18:02

Thank you all I will look at all of these

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