Will LA concede specialist school place before tribunal?

[gezelligheid]

An out-of-borough maintained specialist school has offered my son a place to start in reception in September. They have requested £29k from the LA for this placement. We have a tribunal date for 6 weeks time as the LA have named a mainstream school (who sent a detailed letter explaining why they cannot meet needs even with extra top up funding) so we are obviously appealing this, and some elements of B&F too.

The LA have said the placement at the specialist school will be discussed at panel. What are the chances the LA will concede now? 12 schools have been consulted and this has been the only one to say yes they can meet needs.

We also have private EP, SALT and OT reports to support B&F changes. No response to my edits of the working document yet.

It is impossible to say from a post on MN, I’m afraid.

There is also the possibility the LA will agree to SS as type and put an in-borough school on the table (or even a different, cheaper out of borough school). For schools that are not wholly independent, LAs can do this even if a school has objected when consulted. So you should ensure your case stands up to other potential schools being put on the table last minute.

I've seen a lot of people saying their child's SS is upwards of £70k so would they even manage to find a cheaper alternative to £29k? The only maintained SS in our LA is a SLD school which is not what my son's disability is. The schools that would be suitable are independent SS that only take from Year 1 onwards.

I have more than enough evidence to not be worried and know we will win at tribunal. I'm just hoping to avoid tribunal.😅

Not all SS placements cost £70k or more. There are some SS placements which cost less than £29k (plus other costs such as transport). I’m not saying they will be suitable, but you need to be aware the LA may put a different school on the table last minute and ensure the case stands up to that and stand up without the need to vacate the current hearing date and re-list for a later time.

Although even if the school wants £29k doesn’t always mean that is what the LA will give them even if they are named.

I received an email today to say funding has been agreed by panel and they will be naming the school on section I so they've conceded that part of the appeal :)

Great news.