Hi folks
I wanted to share my good news with you and at the same time thank everyone for all their help, support and encouragement through the process that got us here. We couldn't have done it without you and really appreciate every bit of advice, help and support we have received.
Of course the good news is that we have had it confirmed today that the LEA didn't even quibble over the funding for ds's independent placement and his statement is being reissued today with the independent school named on it.
We were also told that they do not envisage any problems with him qualifying for transport and the internal request has also been done.
Ds is going to thrive at that school - the staff are amazing, they have a special interest in supporting pupils with ASD and the Head teacher totally 'got' ds at first meeting. At his interview the Head talked about how he couldn't understand the primary not seeing his potential and how angry he was about them not protecting him from all the horrendous bullying he's had to suffer. He said their priority will be to rebuild ds's self-esteem and help him see what an amazing boy he is.
I am ever so slightly stunned. Feels like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I've suddenly realised how tense I've been about the whole thing.
I can't wait to tell ds when he comes home from school. He has had a truly horrible couple of weeks, first with yet more bullying and then his TA telling him that secondary was 'closer than he thinks and will be here before he knows it'. 
Cue hours of sobbing and distress every evening and one very spaced out, exhausted boy, constantly tic-ing, having regular upset stomachs and stress related absences again. 