Residential school

[Farah1978]

Hi, we are consider sending our son to Sen residential school.
He has Autism along with severe challenging behaviour, ADHD & sld. He is also non verbal & still in pads.
I would like to ask you how do apply for residential school as I've seen one which can meet my son's meet. He is suppose to start a Sen secondary school in sept but has to go through assessments to see if they can meet his needs.

Hi, the school it's self will probably be able to offer you some helpful advice (we found the hardest part was finding the right place) obviously if you're looking for funding then it will need to be named on the EHCP, which isn't always easy if the LA has somewhere else in mind. Have you tried Your county's SENDIS for advice? IPSEA helpline might be worth a go too.

Thank you for replying... I did speak SENDIS told that I had to prove that my son needs it for educational reason. I spoke to my son's principal officer at the LEA explained my son's situation but was asked to put it in writing. Is that what ask you do to?

Yes, when it comes to naming the setting in the EHCP, I wrote pages as to why my choice was the "only choice" and you need to refer to evidence. The one thing you have to bear in mind though is that they have to be seen to meeting his needs with "efficient use of funds". That might be your biggest hurdle as whilst parental preference is taken to account, the money is what talks. You may be able to come to a "deal" with them to split costs or go down the personal budget route (which I don't really know much about) but I would try one of the more professional helplines such as IPSEA for better legally based information in regards to it.

Thank you, I will get in touch with IPSEA.
I've seen a school that could meet my son's need & waiting for another to get back to me as i want to have a look after the holidays.
I'm also waiting for my son's social worker to get back to me too as his respite carers are struggling with my son's behaviour too.

I feel for you, i know how stressful it is trying to secure the right provision. Certainly the feedback from the social workers and carers should be included and go towards your case. It's also worth getting the schools themselves to write reports on how they will support your son. It's all about evidence and the more you have the stronger your case.

Thank you,I've made a note of your suggestion. Yes it's very stressful, my son has separation anxiety with me & can't have me out of his sight. He was first awarded 2 nights respite but that has increased to 4 nights now. He doesn't like going on the school bus screams all they there he attack the bus guide teacher TA & that has a huge impact on his learning as his constantly screaming, shouting & attacking. He taught in isolation as he triggers of other children. So that's the reason why I've decided that a residential school would be good.