Do you need an EHCP to get a SEN place at a mainstream secondary school?

[Tangerinepie]

My DS is on the wait list to be assessed for Autism and ADHD but funding in our area has been cut so I have no idea how long it will take to get an assessment and very likely diagnosis.

There's a mainstream school relatively close to us that has excellent SEN provision but it is always very over subscribed. SEN places are at the top of their admission criteria but would he need an EHCP to get one of these places?

With the help of family we moved him out of state primary where he was absolutely drowning and put him in a small private school. With the additional support he is given there, he is making good progress but still faces a lot of challenges. Financially, private secondary is not an option at all and our closest state school is not good.

If anyone has any insight or experience it would be greatly appreciated as I'm so worried about him.

It depends on what you mean by SEN places.

EHCP admissions are outwith the normal admission procedures but some schools’ oversubscription policy still mentions them. If this is what you mean then an EHCP would be required.

Some schools have an exceptional medical or social needs category. For schools who have such a category, it is usually towards the top of the oversubscription criteria but not first. An EHCP isn’t required for this and anyone with an EHCP wouldn’t be applying under this criteria. However, the bar is very high. The vast majority of DC with SEN will not be eligible to be considered under this criteria. You would need evidence showing why that school in particular is required.

Are you in England? You need to read the school's exact, published admissions criteria, but I would expect only to get preferential entry with an EHCP that specifies the school. HOWEVER, you do not need a diagnosis to get an EHCP - it's based on need, though the diagnosis helps. I suggest you initiate the ECHNA now. What year is he in?

Thanks both. He’s in year 4 and we are in England.

I’ve just read the admissions policy again and it’s looked after children first and then it says a ‘profound social or medical need’ for a place at the school. I guess that’s really hard to argue for.

I’ll look in to the EHCP without a diagnosis. His teachers have raised concerns since reception but I kept getting fobbed on for referrals and help. I finally got him accepted for an assessment and the funding has gone.

Request an EHCNA yourself now using IPSEA’s model letter.

It is highly unlikely you will be eligible to be considered under the ‘profound social or medical need’ category.

I have an ehcp without a diagnosis, was told the two things are not linked, as it’s based on educational need (eg many with a diagnosis may not need an ehcp) you have plenty of time to get your ehcp so start there, I’m surprised your school haven’t informed you of this !

It varies by school but generally the admissions is:
Child with EHCP that names that school
Looked after children
Exceptional Social or Medical
The exceptional social or medical is really hard to get as you have to show what that school can provide that other schools can't. For example DD's school has a few children with mobility issues as they have a lift to the first floor and the other local school is in an old building with no lift.
An EHCP will mean he's considered first, but the school may still say they cannot meet needs. As I understand it (I have to decide for my daughter this year), generally councils will look for the closest school that can meet needs, but have to consult any you request. If they're both mainstream and can both meet needs, the LA should go with your request but is unlikely to grant transport.