How can I determine the *true full* cost of LA's proposed school option? (Parts 2/3/4 Tribunal Appeal)

[ChrisInNeed]

I am currently going through a Tribunal appeal - Parts 2/3/4.

Key argument is that the LA's nominated mainstream school is just not suitable and so the alternative sought (a specialist school) is needed.

I am told that if I don't win this argument then it could come down to a cost comparison between the LA's nomination and mine.

I understand from the recent decision Court of Appeals decision that that the full costs to the public purse need to be considered rather than just the cost to the LA.

I am concerned that the cost details which will be provided by the LA may not fully reflect the true & full costs for a number of reasons (e.g. add-ons like National Insurance, Pension costs ignored; salary used may be for a normal TA rather than a HLTA needed;)

As such, I am keen to determine the true and full costs of the LA's proposed option before the hearing. This is likely to include:

• Support from a High Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) experienced with S&L issues and ASD
• Input from a Specialist Teacher with experience in S&L issues and ASD
• Direct therapy input from a NHS SALT
• Direct therapy input from a NHS OT

My questions:
-How do I go about determining the true & full costs involved with the LA's proposed option?

-Do I need to make a Freedom of Information request or a normal letter will do? Can anyone share a template making this request please.

-To whom should the request for details be sent to? The LA's Finance Department?

-How do I go about determining the true full costs for input to be provided by the NHS SALT & NHS OT? To whom should this request be made? Again a request template if available would be very helpful.

Thank You.

I wouldnt assume that if a ms placement is offered that the salt and ot would necessarily be provided by the nhs, the la may well have to fund private therapy. I would ring around and get a few quotes from indie therapists.

im sure when I went through it last year a part 2 3 and 4 appeal I found the costs by googling on line for the NHS.

for the HLTA - google any recent job adverts in your area for the position and then you can work it out.

I got estimates from my indie OT and SALT.

when it came down to it on the day the LA were just making the figures up as they went along! they were busy scribbling on the back of an envelope - I have also know people get the tribunal to issue an order for the LA to release the costs so that you know what you are fighting against.

knowing how sneaky the LA my advice would be to get as many of the cost details in writing as you can cos you never know when you may be needing them - I didn't get a proper quote for transport costs then at the hearing was kicking myself that I didn't.

remember though if you can show that the school is the only one that can meet the needs then costs will go out of the window. my LA had a 18K school placement on the table - mine was 72k and I won it as they ruled it was the only school that could meet his needs but as always it is best always to be prepared for every eventuality

Which La is it.

An HLTA will be paid £13-15k a year (before deductions based on 30 hrs a week). So that's a basic cost. However there may be costs of training they have to have/ need. A TA will be paid 10-13k.

Dependent on child's needs the at and teacher may be required to have training in manual handling, restraint and first aid. This can add up to £1000 a year per staff member and needs refreshing every 15-24 months.

Thanks so much for all the responses. Very helpful.

LA is Greenwich. As in Greater London, I expect costs will be relatively higher to reflect London weighting.

@youarewinning - Just to check if the rates you mention are for London or outside?

Also, is there a rule of thumb of what percentage should be added to the base salary to reflect "oncosts"? (National Insurance, pension, sick pay etc.)

From memory (distant) of my career days I think you add 25% for ni, pensions etc

Not sure if this helps, but why don't you look at FOI requests on their website. They might have a template or an email you contact. Think they have to respond within 20 working days. You don't have to say why you want the information either.

I did this recently and asked for the cost of a school place at a particular school and also transport cost. Said cost of transport per from my postcode to school postcode and they gave me a figure.

Google greenwich council+school budgets and some info comes up including the cost of SALT under 2013-14 budget

Sorry meant to say send the letter to SEN officer or whoever is handling the appeal, just a normal letter is fine asking for the costs of LA provision and for it to be broken down. You can also ask Health but I would ask the SEN Officer for all the info as it should have been provided as part of their case statement.
If you don't get it within timescale (or time is short) ask the tribunal on a request for changes form to direct the LA to disclose the info by a certain date.