private school with full statement-but will LA pay for TA?

[Lesley25]

I'm in a fortunate position where my mother has come into money as my nan passed away. Mainstream is failing my dd because of the class sizes. The private school not far from us has a max of 8 in a class.
But would the lea pay for a TA in the private setting?
I have a full school statement for 32.5 hours 1:1 for my dd.
Anyone know if this is possible?

[MadameSin]

Lesley hven't read all of thread but ... yes, it is possible to have LEA fund statment in private school. I know parents who have achieved this, but not without one hell of a fight. Lots of evidence needed that it would be the only school that could meet needs etc etc ...

[Lesley25]

Thanks ladies, I have to be honest, what does scare me is the age and severity of my DC's autism and if this does get worse -then pulling her out of private school to start the whole Mainstream process would just too soul destroying for our family.

I'm now going to start researching special schools in our area- private or LA funded and view each of them. I think my funds with a solicitor are best placed getting her into a ss should that be deemed necessary.

I'm really aware that a lot of the posts reiterate the same theme - about mainstream failing their children once they move into year 3 ,and beyond. A lot of special schools seem to take from age 8 onwards so we have time...unless her MS primary throw her out that is...

[eatyourveg]

Have you considered a split placement? ds2 was in a special school and integrated into our local RC primary for afternoon a week in YR that went up to two afternoons in Y1 and 2 but reverted to one afternoon when in Y3 when the curriculum got too much, he carried on until Y6 and I'm so grateful the ms head suggested it when I wasn't sure which way to go. The statement had both schools on it.

Start out with the full time specialist input and add the mainstream on a gradual basis as and when ready, far better for the dc's self confidence too. Wouldn't have worked for ds3 but it was ideal for ds2 and I'm so glad the ms head suggested it when I was in two minds which way to go after his split nursery placement

[Lesley25]

Excellent idea eatyourveg.

[wetaugust]

Sorry folks - didn't mean to mislead. Had always thought that the LA had no duty to maintain a Statement if the parent voluntarily transferred to indie mainstream. It seems I was wrong.

[Lesley25]

No worries wet, I valued your insight into the indie ms if my
DC's ASD got worse. I'd never thought about that point till then.

[bunnybb]

my DS has recently started in an indie school with full statement, and full funding for support and SLT and OT- we pay for fees. It can be done provided you negotiate with LA and prove that state mainstream cannot meet your child's needs.

[AcrylicPlexiglass]

Good luck in your search for a good special school, Lesley. Split placement sounds like a great idea.

Why can't your son go to the private school you would choose for him, muchado? I don't understand.

[Lesley25]

Hi bunnybb- is that an independent school (open to all NT children) - or an independent special school. And can i ask if the LA also pay the SLT,OT 1:1 support straight to the independent school?
Also did you have to go through an appeal process to get this?

[muchadoaboutsomething]

He can, but I am concerned that the la will say they won't provide the 1-1 funding in private when they would in state. He will definitely qualify for help because of his cp, but the equality act really fails in this instance, as the law currently is if you have a statement and that provides the hours, if the school is also private they should pay the fees if it is the appropriate school. Technically there is no basis to split. My la always did but are very concerned about the changes to the law on medical (rather than educational provision). Oh well will wait and see.