DS2 is getting an EHCP!

[HHH3]

Received the pre draft last week and the planning meeting was today. It went well and I got everything changed/added/taken off that I wanted even though it was a bit of a nightmare at times because of the SENCO from his new nursery The SEN officer said at the end that he'll definitely be getting the EHCP and that she'll be issuing the draft on Monday. So all that needs doing now is checking the draft, getting anything changed if it needs doing, and then it'll be finalised.

So, while I'm really pleased, I'm also a bit upset. I was expecting much more of a fight and it's actually gone really smoothly. We're actually on course to finalise before 20 weeks! Although I am expecting a lot more problems when it comes to naming a school.

I think it's made me realise just how many problems he has. All the reports have thrown up so many things that I saw as 'just DS'. Now I realise that he's got a much bigger struggle ahead than I thought.

I spent so long trying to get people to listen to me but I think at the back of my mind I had this hope that I was wrong. And I can't do that now - it's all been seen and is down on paper.

Sorry - think I just needed to get that off my chest. Feeling sad this evening

I know that sadness well, the feeling of finality and no room for doubt (hope). But as so many will tell you on this forum, that feeling does go and you end up stronger.

Thank-you. I'm sure I'll start to feel better once I've got my head around it all. Tbh I expected a fight (especially given where we live) and the fact that hasn't happened has taken me by surprise. I didn't expect anyone to take me seriously. But even the SEN officer today said there was more than enough info to issue one.

The LA may belatedly have realised you're someone they can simply work with constructively.

And they will know that if they mess you about this time, they won't like what happens next. Therefore you've been allocated the sensible SEN worker, and the boss is letting her do her job more or less properly.

I hope you're right! A friend also had this officer for her DD's EHCP and it didn't go as well.

And I fully expect a fight when it comes to naming a school. Because right now I don't think I'm going to be asking for what everyone is expecting me to! I'm going to be asking for a far more expensive option that I think will suit DS much more than what they're thinking.

And I will be fighting for it if I have to.

I'd suggest getting someone like SOS SEN to have a look at it before it's finalised. LAs have a tendency to slip in vague wording that looks good but actually means that they can slide out of giving your child the support you think he'll get - for instance, if they say he would "benefit from" some particular provision, it's just in effect saying it might be nice if he gets it but we won't supply it if we find it's inconvenient.

Thanks. I've got an independent supporter helping me with it and we've already asked for all the vague wording to be changed.

I know you had a tough time at the start getting people to listen.
O know it's hard now things you've taken as ds are being highlighted.

But just be pleased your a shit hot mum and identifying all his needs isn't a prognosis but you've opened up a pathway for him to get the help to acheive.

Thank-you. That means a lot