DD with autism and SS has 2 yr waiting list

[NeverTrustASmilingCat]

My DTD2 has just been diagnosed with autism, has significant communication delays, including no speech yet. She should start in reception next September, but the special school near us told me they have a 2 year waiting list. I know that she should be able to stay another year at nursery (she'll be 4 in June) but only for 15 hours a week, and she will only get funding for her 1-1 for these 15 hours while she remains at nursery.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation, and what did you do?

Thank you for replying.

There are others; I've probably just got blinkered looking at this one. I just feel I have no idea what the right decision is, or if there are other options that we're not aware of. 😩

There is no such thing as a 2 year waiting list for a special school, especially if it is a LA maintained one.

But what is certain is that your child won't get a space in that school without an EHCP. If you haven't got one already, you need to apply now for an assessment for one.

That’s what they said, seems crazy to me

As for the EHCP, we are filling in the request now with help from her nursery.

Brilliant. Find out the cost of that school, ask for something more expensive when the time comes, - with transport on that basis that that school has told you they are full and as it is the nearest suitable one and your child can't go there, you need the other.

The LA will allocate you that school then.