Am I allowed....

[Orangesandlemons82]

My DD has ADHD and is currently being assessed for dyscalculia and dyslexia as screening suggested that these may also be an issue. DD is 9, really struggling in mainstream now and very unhappy. We will be applying for an EHCP once the next assessment is complete, but I wondered if I am allowed to take her out of school one afternoon a week to attend an alternative provision/club that she already attends that run a provision in an afternoon. The consultant psychiatrist has said that we should be finding ways for her to succeed and achieve in other ways, and I think this would help. I just don't know about the legalities around it, particularly as her school is not SEN friendly in the slightest.

Im sure youll be fine as it is education off site.

You don’t need to wait to request an EHCP. You can do that now. on their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use. If you get an EHCP, the AP can be included in there even if the school doesn’t agree.

Without an EHCP, the school will need to agree, I’m afraid. It can be coded as B if the school approves the educational activity. Or if the school doesn’t approve it but will agree to flexi-schooling, code C.

I would speak to the school. If they refuse, remind them if DD becomes unable to attend school (or is only able to attend part time) then it will be worse for their statistics and they must make reasonable adjustments and make their best endeavours to meet DD’s SEN. If it is one of the APs the LA works with/is on their ‘approved’ list/part of their AP catalogue, it would help to point that out too - but don’t panic if it isn’t because it doesn’t prevent DD attending.

Thank you @StrivingForSleep that is my fear that we are going to get to a point where she is going to refuse to go to school for EBSA reasons. We have had mornings where she has made it but been late. I will point this out to the school if they are reluctant to consider it. Thanks!