EHCP without school help

[StrugglingEHCP]

My daughter is in year 11 and has struggled throughout secondary school, this is her 4th secondary school now. Her mocks have come back where she’s failed almost everything, but school have said she’s ‘doing well? What? Did I miss something? Her anxiety is so high in this environment, she spends some of everyday sitting in inclusion to get away from classes, as everything about it, triggers her mental health. She’s been on the waitlist for CAMHS for 18 months, and although she’s self harming with suicidal thoughts, still no one is doing anything. CAMHS initial assessment says she’s likely got PTSD. I’ve questioned to school how is inclusion helping her academically, and why is this the only solution to her anxiety? She just gets excluded. I’ve asked the school to start a EHC, and they’ve refused, saying there is enough SEN provision provided to help her. Hmmmm, my child hates school and her attendance is at 72%. I’ve been told she ‘can’ get to school so everything is fine! I’ve had to raise the EHC myself now but the school have said they won’t say it’s needed and don’t agree a EHCP placement at a specialist school is needed and probably won’t be given. Can they do this? I’m looking at my unhappy stressed child that’s not thriving academically or emotionally in mainstream education and I’m trying to get her help. If the school refuse to play ball, can this put a spanner in the works? Will they ruin her chances? Any advise will help.

Just submit the EHCNA request yourself. Sometimes schools incorrectly tell parents their DC doesn’t need or won’t get an EHCP, but parents go on to successfully apply themselves. Although they may have to appeal.

Separately to EHCPs, if DD can’t attend school full-time the LA has a duty to ensure she receives a suitable full-time education. Email the Director of Children’s Services about this.

Thank you for your comment, I have written to The Director of Child Services, but I remain hopeful this will open up some avenue. But I’m also mindful not even the school seemed to care, so why would anyone else?

Parents do get EHCPs when the school isn’t supportive, so don’t let that put you off.

If the Director of Children’s Services ignores their duty under s.19 of the Education Act 1996, you can enforce provision, via judicial review if necessary.

Have you got some sort of evidence saying your child cannot attend school for medical reasons? If not, you really need to get it - if necessary from the GP until you can get to CAMHS. You can then use that both to get some sort of home tuition and also to support the EHC NA request.

Yes this is in progress, GP is writing this as we speak.

The LA shouldn’t be waiting for medical evidence to begin arranging s.19 provision.