How to get you child into a special school?

[Mists]

Have been to see two possible ones and very impressed. Haven't looked at the mainstream ones because I know the set up. I was a primary teacher in our town for years and have seen "inclusion" in action

We're expecting the main detailed statement form soon. The LEA people are going to help with this but I get the feeling that I might want to steer clear of their advice.

There are certain things which the schools I have visited will provide which MS won't. Other than detailing that is there anything else I should do?

TIA

Use independent organisations like IPSEA, SOS:SEN and ACE (to name but three) rather than the LEA people re the statement (who are after all acting in their own self interest).

Pay very close attention to parts 2 and 3 of this document; they both need to be bang on accurate. Do not accept any vague or woolly worded provision; provision must be both specified and quantified as per law.

I think you're right to steer clear of the LEA advice .

Is your child starting primary school for the first time? My DS was moved from ms primary to SN school, so I'm not familiar with that situation. But the principal was that we had to show that ms couldn't meet his needs, with professional reports backing us. Is your DC currently in a SN setting?

The LA might suggest ms with additional support, which will still be cheaper for them to fund than a SN school place. You'll need to think of arguments why your DC won't manage in ms even with extra support.

I think it's worth re-visiting local mainstream schools again and asking the SENCO/HT what kind of support they can offer/what kind of experience they have with the type of SEN your child has. You might already know the schools are unsuitable, but you'll need to show evidence of that to the LA. It will help your case if you can get a ms school to admit they can't meet your child's needs.

principle! ...I think

He's starting for the first time, yes, and luckily is in two settings, MS and development playgroup so I'm guessing we may need evidence to support the fact that he is coping far better in the one than the other...

Good idea about talking to the local mainstreams and I will also contact the organisations, thank you