DD can start in assesment unit but transport is no longer being provided for under 5's!

[osospecial]

So if I can't get dd there myself she can't go to the unit and will have to go to local mainstream with support instead apparently. The assesment unit is only for 2 terms but I believe its the better option for dd at the moment. I can put the request for transport in but it will be denied apparently and then I can appeal. Dd would have probably been there for the 2 terms before its sorted out! Can they do this? I've rang an advice charity but they are ringing me back tom or fri so just wondering if anyone on here had any advice?

If you request a statutory assessment, or threaten one then they might throw the transport in.

What is the assessment unit assessing for anyway? Parental ability to tranport?

Yes threatening SA might work, doesn't seem right that they can just withdraw this now just as she is due to start when we have been told all along that transport would be provided

I have had slightly different transport issues but yes apparently school transport is only for statutory school age which is the term after their 5th birthday. So if may birthday not until september.

I hope the charity can help you

Thanks dinky

I would speak to a solicitor. There is a category of judicial review which roughly translates as 'completely bonkers' and although it is hard to get decisions reviewed on this basis I think you might on this occasion. Can PM you a firms name if you are up north.

Also, presumably the point of this assessment unit is to assess her needs at the start of her school career? How about if you said you won't be sending her to school at all until the term after she turns 5, and you'd like your two terms with transport at that stage. Is that possible or worth floating as a negotiating tactic?

Oh yes. Good idea.

Especially if you add 'in the meantime, since she is over the age of 2, I am applying for a statutory assessment as her current educational setting'.

Presumably the authorities (not you) have decided that she needs to go to the assessment unit to be assessed? Ask them how they are proposing to carry this assessment out if she does not go there.
Just out of interest, how far away is the unit, do you have transport and do you have other children to get to/from school at a time which clashes with the start/finish times of the assessment unit. All of this will be relevant in fighting your case. A blanket policy is completely ridiculous.
There is no way I could have transported DD to her assessment nursery 14 miles away and there was not a chance that a local nursery would have been able to manage her needs.

If you do have other kids who are of statutory school age, and hae a car, would they provide transport for them so that you can get DD to the unit?!

I don't have other kids but I do work 9-3 and have to go about 15 miles the opposite way to work. The unit is 10 miles away.
Surreal-thanks but I don't live up north I live in Wales. Dd is only 3.5 but they start school here the term after 3rd birthday. The only alternative they gave me was for her to go to local mainstream and they will provide support there. The unit was the paediatricians idea and her recommendation to the education panel which I then agreed with, I was basically given a choice between maintain stream with support or unit.
I wanted her to start the unit ASAP to get the extra salt input as I'm hoping she will be able to return to mainstream with or without support ready to start reception class when she is 5, it's a great idea though, I could tell them Im considering taking up the option of mainstream but will be applying for SA if I do that.