Specialist school placement-advice needed please

[lookingaround]

If you name a specialist independent school for your child in Part 4 can the LA refuse this and name another specialist school of their choice that is cheaper?
It has already been agreed that mainstream school is not suitable to meet needs.

Yes they can make suggestions. It would then be up to you to demonstrate why their suggestion would not be suitable. If their suggestion is both suitable (it doesn't have to be perfect, just adequate) and cheaper, then it would be ery difficult to secure the place at the school you want.

Thanks ouryve. So, as an example, if the sm specifies a quiet,calm learning environment with substantially experienced staff but their suggested option would be disruptive and with untrained staff I could say that and hope they see sense?

If they suggested a very expensive option and mine was equally as expensive would my views count in that regard do you think?

if both choices can meet DC's needs and are at similar cost and within travelling guidelines then parental preference will be taken into account.