EBSA and 13 yr old yr 8 DD

[Kerbert100]

Hi all,

just wanted to hear some experiences that others may have had as we have come to a bit of a cross roads with DD. She has had problems with anxiety around school since the second half of Yr 4. She wasn't in for the virtually all of the last term of Yr 6. She sat her 11+ (her choice) and got into the grammar school that she was desperate for hoping for a fresh break from the other students in primary. She start Yr 7 brilliantly - really threw herself into lessons, clubs and really took on the whole ethos of the school. However after Christmas last year the wheels started coming off. School very supportive - took certain lessons off timetable, early pass, access to sensory room etc.

However, even with all this in place, her anxiety has gone through the roof. She just can't cope with the environment of a mainstream school. She hasn't really been in since the October half term. Were the school have been supportive, they have now said they want us to sign an attendance contract. We disagree that this will help anything and has caused even more anxiety in DD as there is additional pressure. She is under CAMHS as was self harming and had suicide ideation. She is due to start group therapy at the end of the month.

We feel she is burnt out and are not pushing her into school. We have asked school to start the process for applying for an EHCP with a view to having an EOTAS package but we don't know if this is the right course. There are no special schools here that cater for children that don't have learning difficulties. Has anyone else been in this situation. DD is devastated that she can't get into school - she loves learning and just wants to be 'normal'. 😔

Request an EHCNA yourself. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

Have you looked at all special schools within travelling distance (normally the maximum recommended travel time for secondary is 1hr15 but many travel further) including independent SS and those out of area?

If DD is unable to attend school, is alternative provision in place? If not, request that. IPSEA also has a model letter for this.

Thank you, I think I will end up doing this myself. We are going to have a meeting in the next couple of weeks but I will email regarding AP.

I successfully secured an EHCP for my eldest DD who has a funded place at an independent school but this would be completely unsuitable for DD. It's all so exhausting, I really would like school to go ahead and start the process but they are already saying it will be up to 24 months, might not be successful etc etc.

Atm, she can't cope with any demand, to the extent of deciding what to eat or going for a short walk. She won't cope with any school work at the moment.

Do you think the school will fine us? I think the attendance contract talk is a precursor to further action being taken. We couldn't have done more to try and get her into school, DH is teacher so we evidently value education and the importance of it.

Sorry, that all seems like a bit of a stream of consciousness, I think I need to get it all out of my head. The stress is really taking it's toll!

Ignore the school. It is certainly possible to get an EHCP for the needs you describe. As you are probably already aware from your older DD, the EHCP process is governed by a statutory timescale of a maximum of 20 weeks. Yes, you may have to appeal, and that will take time, but it is still worth doing and if you have to appeal and DD is out of school, you can request an expedited hearing.

Alternative provision doesn’t have to be traditional school work. It can be based on DD’s needs and child led if necessary. It can also be therapeutic.

You need to check if the absences are being authorised or not. Post back if they are being coded as unauthorised. DD’s absences should be authorised. Then you won’t be fined.

I've just checked and since December they have put them as 'Absent in other or unknown circumstances' so unauthorised. They had been authorising them before Christmas. I guess this is related to them wanting to have an attendance contract in place? God, this is all so unnecessary, it just adds layers of additional stress where all our mental energy should be helping DD recover.

Email the school. If DD is absent because of ill health, the absences must be authorised. The Regulations (School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024) make it clear where a pupil is absent because they are unable to attend due to sickness the absence must be regarded as authorised. DfE’s statutory attendance guidance also states absence due to illness must be coded as I and unless the authenticity of the illness is genuinely and reasonably questioned, the absence must be authorised.

Go on to say that as DC is not receiving an alternative education under s.19 of the Education Act 1996 and an EHCNA has not yet been applied for, the school and LA could have done and still can do more to support DD with her needs arising from her disability.

Thank you, this is really helpful. I'm frustrated with the school as up until November they had been very supportive. I will email them in the morning.