EHCP support thread no. 5

[Needlenardlenoo]

Another thread is nearly filled so here is a new one for when we need it. I am the original OP but have name-changed due to admin (let's call it spring cleaning). We got our EHCP finally in June last year and are in a state of cautious optimism two terms into the year 7 transition. There has been no contact from the LA at all to us, but perhaps no news is good news, sometimes. The next challenge is going to be the annual review. I am feeling a bit paranoid the LA might try a cease to maintain. Anyway, onwards and upwards and best wishes to all!

Here are links to previous threads:
EHCP support thread - www.mumsnet.com/talk/special_educational_needs/4834986-ehcp-support-thread
EHCP support thread no. 2 - www.mumsnet.com/talk/special_educational_needs/4989146-ehcp-support-thread-no-2
EHCP support thread no. 3 - www.mumsnet.com/talk/special_educational_needs/5077140-ehcp-support-thread-no-3
EHCP support thread no. 4 -
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/special_educational_needs/5197351-ehcp-support-thread-no-4

Thank you @Needlenardlenoo and @thatsnotmygarden . sorry to be so moany. It's just death by a million cuts at the moment, I need to stop thinking about the future and concentrate on what I can do now. I do have support, my partner is wonderful, but he's got his own stuff going on.

I'm not convinced about academy 21 either but it's all they've suggested.

I've asked for uk virtual school as it's what she's been positive about. Plus they have regular breaks, which she needs. It could be worse, they're not threatening anything about attendance at least.

I can't afford a pre action protocol letter unfortunately. Can't afford anything it seems that people get for tribunal, saving for a private OT and private ed psych report for that.

Is JR not the same as tribunal for the EHCP? I think it's separate right? Sorry, you've probably explained this before.

We've just had bloody reform take over our council now too...not great!

@Icantpeopleanymore you don’t need to apologise!

If Academy21 doesn’t meet DD’s needs, and from what you have posted I suspect it wouldn’t, then it doesn’t fulfil the LA’s duty because it wouldn’t be suitable. Don’t resign yourself to something just because it is all the LA has offered.

Get on SOSSEN’s waiting list for a pre-action letter. That is free for failure to provide s19 provision and breach of s42.

For reports, look at Parents in Need.

JR is not the same as appealing to SENDIST.

Sending hugs Icantpeople it's very tough but keep coming back here, been a brilliant aupport for us. I have come across Progressive Education dot org looking at alternative provision with a directory to support. Not used but had a root around. Others aware of them?

Mine? EHCP where we had to appeal the setting. LA conceded to SS at end of February and the school can still take our 7yo and would like him to start next month. First review of EHCP is July so not sure what we should do in terms of current/future output as there won't be much evidence within it. Appreciate any thoughts on how to navigate these steps.

@Bendattheknees the key to the AR is preparation. Advice and information must be circulated at least 2 weeks beforehand. This should cover the different sections of the EHCP and cover things like progress, challenges, what is working, what isn’t, etc. Even if you are moving setting soon, there should still be advice and information from the provision to date and the short time at the new school. Then you can go through the EHCP and be clear about what amendments needs proposing during the meeting.

@Bendattheknees BTW, if the school is named in section I now, why hasn’t DS already started transition?

Thanks Thatsnot, this makes sense so will action now and get the details from current setting.

Transitions begin next week as wanted him to do a specific action before we told him - we knew he would tell all at school.

Any recommendations on what to do whilst we are waiting for the EHCP draft from the LA to help upskill myself before I get the document?

I’ve watched the latest ‘what should my EHCP look like’ from SOS SEN, I’ve requested the document I don’t have that went to panel (I don’t have the social care one) and I’ve signed up to the ‘SENDIASS Drafting and Finalising an EHC Plan Workshop’ next week.

I’d like to be as prepared as possible…

I tried writing my own draft@Paintingflowers using the step by step guidance on IPSEA for what it should include.

Be careful with SENDIASS. Some are good but too many repeat the LA’s unlawful policies.

Reading the SENCOP and Noddy guide will help.

You could go through the reports you do have with highlighters. Highlight all DC’s special educational needs in one colour and all the provision to meet the needs in another colour. Each need should have corresponding provision. This will help when you get the draft because all the needs should be in B and all the provision in F.

While you are doing this, make a note of any vague and woolly wording (e.g. “access to”, “or equivalent”, “opportunities for”, “as appropriate”, “would benefit from”, “regular”, “up to”, “would be useful/helpful”, “such as”, “e.g.”, “etc.”, “as required”, “as advised”, “key adult(s)”, “small group”) or anything the reports have omitted. Then go back to the LA and report writer(s) requesting they make the reports detailed, specified and quantified. If the reports are vague and woolly, the EHCP will be too.

Good idea @Needlenardlenoo - did you find it helpful drafting it yourself?

Ah - good to know about SENDIASS.

I can start going through the documents now.

Do you know if the SOS SEN EHCP Analysis service is worth it? We have money saved so could do this also…

For those who know what they are doing, you can do it yourself as good as SOSSEN’s draft check. But for those who aren’t as sure, especially those receiving their first draft or who aren’t confident in the legislation and case law, it can be worth it and it is reasonably priced.

This is our first draft and my first experience with an EHCP so I think it will be well worth the money due to the additional support and confidence it will bring. Thank you

Yes, as it meant I needed to consider all the reports in the same way as a previous poster suggested - actually in the end the EHCP wasn't great (mine was better!) but the school has worked out well.

Hello. I have a draft EHCP and my DC will absolutely not view any schools which is just brilliant. Has anyone been in a similar position and what did you do?

Has anyone regretting sending their ASD, ADHD PDA child to their mainstream feeder secondary school. DC is adamant that’s where they are going. OFSTED report for Sen was wasn’t brilliant this year.

Personally, I'm not quite at secondary transition stage but through work, mainstream secondary they either fly and do amazingly because they aren't stuck with the same teacher all day everyday, they mix with more kids and there is more variety or the wheels truly come off and they are out of school by Christmas. The difficulty we find is it is impossible to predict which way it will go.

That isn’t unusual. You can still speak to schools and visit. More of a problem those wholly independent schools who require assessment days.

Can DS communicate the reasons behind wanting to attend that school? Is it to be with friends? Is it the fear of the unknown? Is it because he doesn’t want to be different? With PDA, you need a school who is understanding, willing to be flexible, and willing to listen. Speak to the staff, see how flexible they will be and how open they are to working with you.

@thatsnotmygarden it’s where all the local children go and where his older sibling goes. Here they all go to this school or private it’s very clear cut. DC said to the Psychologist last week I don’t want to different. So it’s a lot of internal pressure on themselves. Currently refusing to school as I type and won’t go today hence my worries as secondary school you fall behind quickly. I pay for a tutor to mop up as it is.

If DS is struggling to attend mainstream primary, I would be cautious about a mainstream secondary, particularly one with poor SEN support. What support for DS’s mental health is he receiving?

Ehcp was finalised late, after consent order but eventually got it. But 2 parts of the provision salt and Ot not being provided and no indication when either. How long does the la have to reasonable provide them before I contact or escalate and how should this be done. Thanks all!

I would double check the wording to make sure it isn’t vague and woolly and contact the caseworker now. The bulk of the provision should be in place within the 5 weeks. Some case law on this is BA, R (on the application of) v Nottinghamshire County Council [2021] EWHC 1348 (Admin) and re-confirmed in L, R (On the Application Of) v Hampshire County Council [2024] EWHC 1928.

On the subject of transitions, I would be interested in how a well managed transition to mainstream secondary went for anyone. DDs EHCP has an enhanced transition - in practice I am flexible about what this looks like but it definitely needs buddying and a number of visits. School has the EHCP, Ed psych report, and OT (and we are pending another OT report). I have chased them today to start it before the transition day for year 6 at the end of June.

Oh and how to make sure they plan is in place from Day 1.

Primary is going well, she is well regulated and looking forward to secondary. She can't tell the time and has zero sense of direction though...

Just keeping everything crossed we happily make it to Christmas and we can relax a bit.

DS3 has EOTIS now, but when he transitioned to secondary he visited once a week after February half term. We started small with a short visit with one of his 1:1s from primary. Building up to a whole day with the two LSAs who would be his 1:1s in Y7. He met his form tutor, the SENCO, HOY, some other members of staff, got to know the school layout, etc.

DS2 didn’t have an EHCP when he transitioned but he does now. He had a few extra visits, met his form tutor, the SENCO, HOY, shown who deals with medical matters/where to find them, etc.

Thank you-I think we need something between those two options!