Struggling to decide between mainstream and specialist school for my almost 4 year old

[sameoldsameoldd]

Hi all,

My almost 4 year old son has had his draft EHCP done (which needs editing) and when we were asked to name a school I chose the local mainstream that is regarded as the most Sen friendly (smaller classes, higher ratio of staff, less strict with uniform etc). The school has come back and said they are struggling with the amount of Sen children they’ve got already, and feel another child with a EHCP would be too much. They recommended he attend a specialist school in their objection.

My son is autistic, has gdd and is not yet talking. When we toured this primary school we informed the headteacher of all this and she advised we probably wouldn’t get a place for him as “there are only 12 places in a year, 7-8 will be taken by siblings and the remaining places will be given to a child with an EHCP that needs it more.” So we are surprised they’re now saying he’s too much.

No other primary school in the area is suitable for him and when I informed the council we would be going with a specialist school if not this primary school was not suitable she then changed her mind and her manager is now going to speak to them (ie force them to take him I imagine).

Whar do you all make of this situation? I have been so stressed and anxious trying to decide what is best. He attends a Sen nursery that he loves but this is the first time anyone has mentioned a specialist school as something he 100% needs. The EHCP is not specific and the EP did not mention specialist or mainstream.

Also, if he attends a specialist school we cannot properly apply until around September and he will need a new EHCP around then, and won’t start school until his 5th birthday in April. So I would have to keep him at nursery for longer also. I was not aware of any of this previously.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What type of school did you choose?

Unless the school is wholly independent, the LA must name your preferred school unless the LA can prove:
-The setting is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs (“SEN”) of the child or young person; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
-The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.

Unless the LA can prove one of these, they can and must name the school even if they object. The bar to prove incompatibility is higher than many LAs and schools admit. Case law shows it is than an “adverse effect”, “impact on” or “prejudicial to”. However, the LA may well be able to prove that for a school with a 1/3 of a year group with EHCPs. You might find reading this case law helpful and asking some of the questions in it.

Have you looked at any special schools? Have you thought about how DS would manage in MS if he is in a specialist nursery now? Especially after reception. LA professionals often don’t suggest a special school.

if he attends a specialist school we cannot properly apply until around September and he will need a new EHCP around then, and won’t start school until his 5th birthday in April.

Who has told you this? It isn’t true. You can request a special school now and for September. Some admit 3 and 4 year olds.

Have you visited the local special school? You might be pleasantly surprised.
Previous poster is absolutely right that is incorrect advice. If your child has attended SEN Nursery he should be on the LA’s radar already.
In our LA there is excellent EYFS SEN provision and most of those children would attend Special school. It is a panel decision but usually parents are informed around this time of year.
Of course you have parental preference but I wouldn’t have sent my child to a school that didn’t want her. There may be other mainstream schools who are more accommodating but I would seriously look at Special.
There will be lots of advantages for your child including small classes, trained staff, consistent use of visuals/ signing, regular Speech and Language therapy/ activities, sensory considerations and activities. The curriculum and resources will be individually matched to his needs. Many excellent Mainstream primaries can try to replicate this but the environment may not be suitable or over stimulating.
Speak to other parents if you can and do look for some support or advice from your local Parent Partnership service.