Personal budgets and EHCs - told to wait 7 years for one!

[lottytheladybird]

I phoned up the Special Education Department at my County Council today, as I wanted to request a personal budget, under the new SEN reforms, for my son. My DS was awarded a Statement, ready for his first year of school in reception. I was told by County that I could not request a personal budget until my son's statement was transferred over to an EHC plan, which wouldn't happen until he went to secondary school, in 7 years' time!!!

Are they allowed to make me wait this long? I thought the new reforms were the law now? Any advice would be gratefully received. Thank you!

No they are talking crap. All statements have to be transferred within the next 2-3 years. Most of the will be transferred at annual reviews and most LA's are doing the children at secondary transfer age first. Maybe that's what they meant that they are doing the year 6 going into year 7 children first.