EHCP-Reception

[Mococo1]

Hi all i have a 4yr old DS who has an ASD Diagnosis since he was 2 and i wanted to ask what type of accommodations i can ask for (as a parent) in an EHCP.

his school have already said he doesnt qualify for one/doesnt need a TA etc however I dont want to wait until DS is in a crisis to apply for an EHCP and would rather get the process rolling. So far DS is bright, verbal( but behind in speech) & academically quite able (can write his name, phonic & read simple sentences). He currently goes to the school nursery and i think hes a high masker and a model student. Always getting star of the day, stickers for tidying etc.

Just wanted ideas on what i could add to it to be honest- he mainly has issues focusing, sitting still, jumps around a lot (probs adhd too). He seems burnt out/very jumpy when we get home and has his ipad for a while just to relax and unwind and reset him for a bit of play with me & DH. We try to support him the best we can i just know hes ok now but its all surface level!

The first threshold you will need to focus on is that for an EHCNA. You will need to show DS a) has or may have SEN, and b) may need special educational provision to be made via an EHCP.

Sometimes schools incorrectly tell parents their DC don’t need or won’t get an EHCP.

EHCPs are based on evidence. Provision isn’t included just because parents ask for it.

Whatever special educational provision is reasonably required can be included in F of an EHCP. The possibilities are numerous. Some examples include therapies (e.g. SALT, OT, Lego therapy, hippotherapy…), sensory circuits, support with friendships/interaction, support with emotional regulation, 1:1 (some or all of the time), (a quantified) small group provision, movement breaks.

Hi @Mococo1

There is no harm in applying for an EHCP as soon as possible if you feel your little one would benefit from further support. You can apply for an EHCP directly to your local authority yourself, but the usual route is to go through your school as information is sought from education and any health/medical/social care professionals involved, including, of course, parents.

With this in mind, your little one's diagnosis of ASD will go a long way in your application, and assessment reports and specific therapy recommendations from a Speech Therapist with specialist experience supporting children with ASD, and other any relevant professionals, will definitely help support your application. You are, however, able to appeal a decision if your application is unsuccessful and this has shown to be fruitful for some (especially if you have shared professional reports advising specific therapy interventions and frequency of interventions along with your EHCP application). The EHCP application process can be long, so I always advise starting the process sooner rather than later if you feel that your child requires this support (especially if therapy recommendations have been made and the required support, for whatever reason, is not being carried out).

I hope you receive some further support soon.

Lucy Colcombe
Private Specialist Speech Therapist

Even if parents request an EHCNA themselves, the LA should still seek information from the school.

The bottom of this webpage outlines some of the support your LO may be able to access - https://educationadvocacy.co.uk/autism-and-ehcps/

https://www.ipsea.org.uk/making-a-request-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment get your ECHNA request in ASAP OP. Don't pay too much mind to the school. It could be a two year process and the govt are talking of getting rid of them, so get in that queue!