Consent to medical needs referral?

[chillberry]

Both of my children (12 and 13, auADHD with EHCPs) have been home with EBSA and autistic burnout since Christmas. I requested section 19 AP a few weeks ago but have heard nothing. SENCo now says he's received a referral form from the medical needs team at the LA's alternative provision and is asking if we consent to him competing the referral.

Is there any reason not to consent?

Are they trying to determine whether our claims of EBSA are legitimate?

Or are they trying to determine whether the children should receive home tuition rather than on-site tuition at the AP? The AP's site is aimed at kids who have been permanently excluded, which is not DC's profile at all and would be completely inappropriate.

Referrals from schools is how some LAs run their s19 provision. The LA doesn’t need a referral from the school, but it is how lots do it to gather information. If you refuse without even knowing the offer and therefore not knowing if it is suitable or not, the LA is likely to say they have fulfilled their duty.