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Help please indep school preference in statement after maintained turned down

2 replies

richmond44 · 01/05/2012 14:42

Hi the ASD unit attached to a mainstream school that we put as our preference for ASD DS has said that it cannot offer him a place for this september. They have set out there reasons (say he would not integrate with mainstream, they have no facilities to change his pants etc - and it has no vacancies).Wish they could have told us this before Christmas when we visited but anyway. This unit is the only ASD unit in my borough. The other provision that has been recommended to us by both our sons SENCO and his Speech and Language therapist is out of borough and independent - about 7 miles away from us in Cobham. The LEA wants me to name another school before the next panel meeting next wednesday so I do not have much time. What I would like to know is the LEA covering letter with the draft statement said I could:

"Make representations for an independent school giving your reason for such a placement."

What has anyone said in relation to an indepdent out of borough school in their representations. Do I say that the in borough maintained school has no vacancy and says its not suitable, do I mention his SENCO and SLT's view. What else? I am finding this all rather stressful. Apparently my LEA has funded for this school before from people in my borough due to a lack of places in borough.

Any comments/views appreciated.

Richmond

OP posts:
richmond44 · 10/05/2012 18:00

Just an update on this, heard today that the SEN panel have agreed to the out of borough independent school. The school will have vacancies for september so unless it changes it mind about taking my DS its looks like he has got a place for his reception year which is a relief.

What I would like to know now is when do I mention the transport question. His statement has not been finalised as I want a few amendments and I have a meeting next week with the LA SEN head. Do I mention it at that meeting or wait until I have confirmation that the school will definitely take DS and then raise it with the LA? The school is 8 miles away and cannot be reached by public transport.

OP posts:
WetAugust · 10/05/2012 18:13

Good news,

You ask for transport to be written into Part 5?? of his Statement.

It's the closest school that can meet his needs so the LA must pay for his travel. Insist on a taxi.

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