New OT report for Year 5 EHCP review

[readingrecord]

Hi, I have an EHCP review (Y5) next week and was wondering if I can formally request a new OT (sensory) report, so that the recommendations can be included in the plan. The initial OT report is now 3 years old. I have emailed the school SENDCO asking for a new OT sensory assessment and she has replied that she is consulting her professional contacts.

You can request updated OT advice and information as part of the AR process. The LA may or may not agree.

OT time for the AR process can be allocated in F. I assume it isn’t now, that is something you may want to look at.

To give all the options, you could request a reassessment of needs, but personally I wouldn’t.

Thank you, flawlessflipper. Yes, I will request updated OT review. If the LA does not agree, shall I get a private one? It is important to get it right, as my DC has sensory needs that impact on the type of secondary school that she will go to. I probably do not need a full reassessment of needs, as I have an updated SaLT (LA) report and a new private EP report.

Yes, you can seek an independent assessment. Although be warned the LA may still make you appeal in order to get the contents of the report included in the EHCP correctly.

@flawlessflipper Had the AR yesterday. Awaiting the draft to check properly. Asked about an OT review and the SENDCo said an OT will start to work with the school on probation basis shortly and will review my DD. Shall I wait to see if this happens, insist it goes into the EHCP draft or get a private OT report anyway? Also, my DD can focus in calm environments and small groups only, due to ASD and sensory processing, but if this goes into the EHCP that will make the state MS schools unable to accept her (meet needs), limiting secondary options to specialist or independent. She is average academically, when regulated, but will not pass 11+ or cope with the pressure of tutoring/exams. She is also socially motivated with a small group of friends, so will not do well if there is not a large enough peer group to find friends. Really confused about what school to aim for and try to align the EHCP to it. We are in Hackney.

You should get the amendment notice within 4 weeks of the review meeting.

You want OT needs/provision in the EHCP. That is the only way it is enforceable. However, that will only happen with evidence. I would ask questions about the OT who will be working with the school - who they are, qualifications (you need someone who can look at the sensory side of things), experience. Unless money is no object, I wouldn’t seek an independent assessment now. You won’t have a report in time for responding to the proposed amendments. I would wait to see if you have to appeal - because you might decide you need e.g. an EP report even more and you can only afford one.

The provision in EHCPs should be written based on the child’s needs, not written to fit a particular placement. If DD can only cope in small groups, then even if the provision isn’t the EHCP, DD isn’t going to cope in a large state secondary MS.

Have you looked at SS and independent MS?

Good tips about the OT, thank you @flawlessflipper .

I spoke to the only SS I can identify suitable for no LD, Holmewood, and will go and see it. It is quite far from us, 50min by car each way and no convenient public transport. Also, from what I read, it is very boys heavy. It will be quite a fight to get it named, as currently DD is in MS primary (single form entry with no uniform). Will also look at the only not too selective independent within 30 min of our home, but apart from the cost, also not too sure we will get an offer and afraid they might ask us to leave later on if she struggles with results or attendance.

From your posts here, Holmewood won’t work. If Holmewood is doable, have you considered The Windmill School? Or do you think it isn’t a good fit socially? It is further but there is also Orange Tree School - the girl:boy ratio is better. And Burlington House - they generally don’t admit where ASD is primary need, but they occasionally will. At secondary, 1hr15 is typically considered the maximum recommended travel time. Although some travel further.

@flawlessflipper Thank you, will check out all of the suggested schools. DD is very motion sick too and unless it resolves, long travel by car/bus not viable (she is physically sick and then refuses to eat or drink for the rest of the day). For occasional travel, I give her travel tablets, but they make her drowsy, so not suitable for everyday use or school. Something will have to give and at this point not sure what...