Well the bastards are fighting it, to the surprise of everyone on our team.
We have a complex case, DS is 9 severe autism, was in special school, we took him out in Jan, started ABA, and we are now asking for ABA plus part time mainstream primary at starting at year below age group with gradual increase in attendance, 1-on-1 weekly SALT and OT sessions, and loads else. Panels do not normally think ABA is appropriate for older children so that's what we have to argue. We are using our right to mainstream, local authority is offering specialist unit which has already said they can't meet his needs and which didn't manage to teach him anything, where he already attended first two years before he was moved to a special school. Said special school, serious safeguarding failures, Head suspended, staff member on bail waiting for trial, local authority denies everything.
We have a good team, barrister is JF, solicitor MN, ed psych AW, kick ass BCBA and SALT coming tomorrow. I am nervous, although this is our second SEN hearing in four years. If you have any last minute tips send them my way along with any words of encouragement x