Appeal or not?

[GherkinsGalore]

DD is in Yr7 and diagnosed autistic. She is very bright but struggles in all other areas. The move to high school was a disaster and she made it in to school once. After 3 hours in the school, she absconded over a hedge in total panic and has not returned since.

I am attempting to home school her but it is difficult.

DD has an EHCP but it’s new and still in draft stage. I asked for a SEN school placement but they returned a no. They said that DD is too academic for the group of children in the school.

Whilst this has some truth to it, it’s also the only SEN school in all neighbouring boroughs who accept higher functioning DC and who also have a curriculum pathway .

So DD is too academic for SEN school but too SEN for mainstream. What am I going to do?

I know I can appeal but if she doesn’t fit , then she doesn’t fit . Is there any point?

Yes, push the LA to finalise ASAP and then appeal. The majority of appeals are upheld.

If you think the school is suitable, unless it is wholly independent it can be named even if it objects. Have you looked at independent and non-maintained special schools, too? There is also EOTAS.

In the meantime, you don’t have to EHE. If DD can’t attend school the LA must make alternative arrangements to ensure she receives a suitable, full-time education, but if you EHE they will say you are making suitable alternative arrangements thereby relieving them of this duty.

@KeepGoingThomas I think the school is suitable in lots of ways but although they do offer curriculum pathway, it’s possibly not at the level DD is at . Although I think she would be happier there than at home full time.

Is there a threshold for refusal because the school can’t meet academics? If I go to tribunal I could lose on this?

I contact them every week to ask for help but they tell me that DD must go to her current school and to just ask for more help from the school.