Changing schools at year 7

[B359]

My son has an EHCP and attends an independent specialist school with very high fees.. We'd like to move him at year 7 to a very small mainstream independent which has excellent SEN support and they have said they can meet need. Fees at this school would be significantly less than what LA are currently paying for specialist school (even with extras) .He needs OT and small classes and 1:1 which is absolutely clearly set out in his reviwed EHCP. Can anyone give tips to me to help me make the case for this transfer to the LA? My concern is that they'll see our request for a mainstream option and put him into a mainstream state high school which he wouldn't manage in. Thank you.

Before replying fully, can I clarify whether DS is in Y6 now or Y5/younger? I ask because my answer would be different if DS is currently in Y6, and thus you should have already had the phase transfer EHCP.

He's year 5 now

There should be a phase transfer review meeting in the autumn term of Y6. Prior to the meeting, updated advice and information should be circulated at least 2 weeks beforehand. Make sure this happens.

In preparation for the AR, start gathering evidence to support the placement and also to demonstrate state MS can’t meet needs. For example, having concrete up to date evidence for (quantified) small class size will be a huge piece of supportive evidence. A state MS won’t be able to provide that if the wording is watertight. When you consider DS’s needs, the provision he requires and the independent MS and state MS, there may be other points along the same line. Making sure you have professional evidence for each point will help.

As well as showing state MS can’t meet needs, I would be preparing to show state SS can’t. Sometimes state SS can be cheaper than independent MS with support, so being able to showing state SS isn’t viable will also be wise. Similarly, if there are other independent MS that a cheaper who may offer a place, you need to look carefully at why they aren’t suitable.

Be aware, in order for the independent MS to be named, you will need an offer of a place. Unfortunately, just because they say they can meet need now, doesn’t mean they will definitely agree to being named when the time comes.