OT explain to me benefits and school responsibilities

[Tonianlilly]

Hi I'm not stupid just overwhelmed with "things I need to do" to support my child.

He has autism and adhd diagnosis

Went to psychiatrist today who said - get him some OT sessions ASAP (he is on ADHD meds)

he has an ehcp (its new) but still in his old MS school so currently no idea how they access the provision (nhs referral waitlist very long)

1. now looking at £150 a week for this privately while at the same time wondering what if anything I should expect from school given they have to access via long nhs referral waitlist.

2. can anyone point me to any resource that clearly and concisely tells me (and a bit of an idiots guide) as to why an OT will be beneficial for his behaviour... just justifying the £££

Thanks

The scope of what OT can support is vast. For example, it covers things like executive functioning, motor skills, activities of daily living, sensory integration, emotional regulation/self-regulation, social interaction, adaptations to the environment/equipment…

If an OT assessment was required, it should have been part of the EHCNA. Did you request an OT assessment? If OT is required, it needs to be in F of the EHCP. You don’t need another normal referral. However, it will only be included in F with evidence.

Have you appealed the EHCP? If not, do you still have the right of appeal?

When you say DS is “still in his old MS school” is that not your preference?

In most areas, you can self refer to the NHS OT service. If you can’t and you want a referral, the school or GP will be able to refer. NHS OT is often more limited than what the EHCP can provide. Many ICBs don’t commission sensory OT. Many NHS waiting lists are long and only offer a limited number of sessions.

Thanks

We have an ehcp, we are appealing. The EHCP is not really the problem if I am honest

The OT provision is clear and specific and is copy paste of the OT assessemt we commissioned so no issue there.

He is still in his mainstream school and he needs specialist provision (LA in agreement) we are looking for a suitable setting that will go in the appeal

The MS school has referred to NHS SALT and OT. But waitlist long

Hence my questions

1. should I really expect them to do more or access provision elsewhere if they have funding (I suspect not....)

2. since psychiatrist said he should get it at least at home is there some information I can read / easy to digest resources as we are looking at £150 per week... on top of a heap of other things we pay for. Just want to understand the world of OT outside what is in the EHCP

If the OT provision is detailed, specified and quantified in F of the EHCP. You don’t need normal NHS referrals, you don’t need or sit on the normal waiting lists and you don’t need to fund the provision. The LA is responsible for the provision. This duty is non-delegable. If the provision in F isn’t being provided, email the Director of Children’s Services reminding them of their duty under section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and asking how they intend to provide the provision. If that doesn’t work, you need a pre-action letter. Then, if that fails, JR proceedings will resolve the situation.

However, if the wording if vague and woolly (for example, including wording such as “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”) it is not enforceable and you should look to improve the wording via the appeal. The wording being C&P from the report doesn’t necessarily mean it is watertight.

I am not sure what type of resource you want, but the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ website might help you understand what OTs can help with. Is that the type of resource you mean?

Yes thats maybe the type of resource will have a look. Maybe I hoped for a you tube cartoon video of all this i dont know! Or a handoutnlurking on a fab website like The special needs jungle incouldnt find. I'm in finance... none of this is familiar.

Thanks v much for the info on the provision and wait lists - the ot section is is detailed and clear salt not at all! Very inconsistent!

So seems maybe the school isnt aware how they can access and the LA through this process has not been very proactive so not helping!!

This is very useful thanks so much

Probably not a quick one to rectify! Credit card is out

Much appreciated x

LAs are rarely proactive at providing provision. It is about saving money.

I don’t know how old DS is, but you might find the Occuplaytional therapist’s resources helpful for understanding some elements of OT.

This booklet gives a basic overview of sensory integration.

Omg I am so sorry I have thought of another question given what you have said

How do the school get any ehcp funding and how can i see how its being used?

Without having to make you write loads maybe there is something you can direct me to?

I think I'll try a charity help line or similar. This is all too confusing! 🤔

You don’t have to apologise.

The school receives funding from the LA. Although there may be some provision the school doesn’t receive the funding for. For example, the LA may commission a service directly to provide the OT or some people have direct payments for some provision.

You can ask the school for a costed provision map.

However, focus on the provision detailed, specified and quantified in F of the EHCP over the funding. The provision must be provided, can be enforced, and ultimately the LA is responsible for ensuring it is provided, which includes ensuring there is sufficient funding.

You might find IPSEA and SOSSEN’s websites helpful.

Fab thanks

I guess at the moment it seems a bit of a worthless piece of paper

Have a progress meeting in a couple of weeks with school so hopefully by then ill have my head round all the details!

I dont want to sound selfish but we parents (I'm sure more than me) break ourselves and fight and spend time and money our sanity to get these EHCPs and I don't want the school sharing his provision

Just need a specialist setting ASAP... or maybe ill find a unicorn! 😫

You aren’t selfish. At all. Don’t let anyone make you feel that way. LAs and some schools have a way of making parents feel like they should bow down in gratitude for every little scrap of support. The EHCP is a legal document. It isn’t optional.

A well written EHCP is worth its weight in gold. Many parents have to enforce the provision, though. Sadly, DC whose parents know the law, can advocate for their DC and will enforce their DC’s provision get better support. It shouldn’t be like that, but unfortunately, that isn’t going to change in the foreseeable future.