School or parental EHCP application?

[kitkatnatnat]

Hi my daughter is in year 4. She is diagnosed ASD with PDA profile, selective mutism, learning difficulties, severe sensory issues and anxiety. She also has epilepsy.

Every day she resists going into school, she finds it hard to articulate why. Lots of anxious and distressed behaviours, suffice to say she is not coping. This has been since year 2.

She has been through 2 cycles of ISPs and school have said they’ll do a 3rd cycle this term then apply for an EHCP.
I am wondering whether it might be better for me to do a parental application instead?

I’m a little dubious if the school will really make the effort to give enough evidence. I was surprised that since I started asking about EHCP her attainment report has jumped from being ‘below’ or ‘very below’ in certain subjects to ‘expected’ in all.

If that is correct then great, but she still struggles with the demands of school.
Am I being paranoid to think that they are trying to prove she doesn’t need an EHCP application?

Attainment level isn’t my priority for my child at present, her mental health and happiness are.

So basically should I let school lead on the EHCP application or should I just do it myself? Does one carry more weight than the other?

Please submit a parental application for an EHCNA. Don’t rely on school. We submitted ourselves and it was the best action we’ve taken to support our son.

Make the request yourself now. Then you know it is done ASAP and all the correct information included. IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

I'd suggest you apply now. Research whether your local authority has a form you need to complete, and if not, use the ipsea letter. Include the ISPs she's had, diagnosis and other medical letters and reports from any other professionals. Has she had any speech and language, occupational therapy or camhs input? If so, include these too. Then there is a chance the local authority will agree to assess. If they don't agree, appeal.

If still no, ask the school to request an EHCNA as well. I've had experience where they reject the parental application but then accept the school's.

Even if the LA has a form they say you have to use, you don’t have to use it. IPSEA’s model letter is sufficient.

Thank you all for the advice, it seems pretty unanimous.
She has had speech & language input who diagnosed selective mutism. They state in their report that her speech is 'slushy' in conversation and difficult to understand at times but not needing further input as individual words are clear (eg when asked to name an object).
She sometimes uses a colour wheel and communication cards to let her class teacher know if she is struggling. Problem is only one teacher for 30 kids so she often still goes under the radar and she ends up crying and getting very distressed.
I will tell school I'm applying myself .

Her consultant has referred her to cahms for anxiety but I think that will take ages

I will look at IPSEA