EHCP 1:1 funding refused at independent school: what are our options?

[bellewilson]

HELP please. I have been informed today that the provision panel have declined funding for my daughter's EHCP recomended 1:1 support at a mainstream Independent school she currently attends. Currently in year 3 (out of year group should be in year 4) 3/4 years behind, complex learning issues, diagnoses DLD, ADHD, ODD, memory and auditory processing disorders and dyslexia.
Even the EHCP team supported the application but panel still rejected it. Full evidence provided inc OT, CP, EP, SALT, consultant letters and Senco. For context we pay and would have continued to pay school fees and made that clear to LA, as our DD can't cope in large class environment, currently 12 children in class with teacher and 3 LSAs. Receives full time 1:1 at present only because they have spare staff this year. From September all free 1:1 ends.
EHCP says panel decision is final and no right to appeal. LA will still name independent on EHCP if school agrees to meet needs ie cover all costs. If independent school refuses LA want to name local state on EHCP Even though not suitable large junior school with bad sen reviews and huge classes and also this state school says can't meet her needs. I asked if I can name state school I feel is more suitable but they say the 2 week consultation takes too long and already over draft deadline. what do i do? Any advice appreciated thank you
i thought if school named on EHCP LA had to fund… but they are saying no they don’t as not state school.

No offence but if she is 3/4 years behind her peers that school does not meet her needs. She needs moving to a more appropriate school as they are just cashing in on your good will as such.

Its only a matter of time until the school terminate the contract.

You will need everything about her needs from an EP and OT in section B and there it will be quantified that your child will have x number of hours of 1 to 1 (including lunch time and break times) in section F

As you pay then it’s not named under section I in the EHCP? Without it named you will have to pay the notional 13 hrs which equals £6.5k for a 1 to 1 plus all the rest.

You will need a tribunal - no offence I’m not sure that school fits your child and they are naughty to accept her at 4 years behind it will only get worse the older she gets.

You can appeal when you get the letter with the final EHCP but it will take at least 1 year plus to get to tribunal.

The other way of doing it is pay £22k for the LSA and the school fees but in all honesty 4 years behind I’d be looking at a specialist school if I was you, sorry.

Are you in Surrey LA those are the tricks they play ….

Was that EP a private one? Or the council one