Do I need an offer of a place at wholly independent ready for draft EHCP.

[airhostess]

Hello, we’ve decided on an independent mainstream school that is NOT section 41.
I’m awaiting the draft EHCP. To name this school do I approach them to start the application process to get an offer of a place?

DC has had a previous offer there in 2023 however since diagnosed with ASD, ADHD and PDA.

What should I do?

This is not something you can just decide on. Yes, you need to speak to the school. You don’t necessarily need an offer of a place before you receive the draft, but in order for the school to be named in an EHCP, you need an offer of a place. With PDA especially, an offer from an independent MS is by no means guaranteed. Many will run a mile.

You will also need to prove the LA’s proposed school(s) can’t meet needs &/or it isn’t unreasonable public expenditure.