What is the situation re special schools in a neighbouring LA?

[beautifulgirls]

Just thinking ahead really for secondary. DD has a statement, currently mainstream with 1:1 support but maybe needs to change this for secondary level? Assuming I could get agreement that she needs a special school at that point and assuming there are places available can I ask for a special school in a neighbouring LA, even if there are places deemed suitable by my LA in their area?

You're entitled to make a request but it would cost more to your LA to send your DD out of county, so they may refuse it. Is there a school in your LA that could meet her needs? Also, many LA special schools will keep places for their own children first so they may well be full by the time they finalise the statement for secondary transfer.

Have you discussed potential secondaries with her current school? Do they think she needs a special school placement?

DD attends a secondary special school out of county, but our LA refused at first to name it on her statement and we had to appeal it. We had to show that the schools available in our county weren't suitable - so you need to think of good reasons why none of the schools in your LA are suitable, and possibly get evidence (e.g. private EP report).

Thanks - we are miles ahead in terms of time yet, she is just going into year 3 but I have my doubts that she will cope in mainstream at secondary level but time will tell on that. We would get all supporting evidence if needed - thanks.

im in this situation - my lea wanted to name the more local school but i dug my heels in - they agreed the school out of county but would not agree transport as they said there was a nearer suitable school - i think that the nearer school was unsuitable but to get the transport would have meant tribunal and no guarantee i would win so we added up how much 5 years of transport cost would be be and its probably cheaper to transport him ourselves than go to tribunal so thats what we agreed to. there are other children in our lea area that go to the school so i contacted the sen transport people and if there is a spare place on the transport then i can pay for him to do that