Questions around school support and considering whether to request EHCP assessment

[Thisismynewname123]

I have a few questions and I need to get some order around them in my head to prepare for a meeting at school with the SENCO, so apologies if this is a bitty post. I'm not really sure where to start, so I'm going to jump in with questions. As background, my dd (y4) has had an IEP or support plan at school since maybe y1. We are considering applying for an EHCP next school year. She has diagnoses of ASD, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and anxieties. The formal diagnoses have all come this school year, although obviously we have been aware of issues for much longer. She struggles socially, emotionally & academically.

1, Support plans/IEPs from school should evidence what they have tried already and whether or not these have worked. However, as far as I can tell the "strategies" don't cost the school money (with a few exceptions, such as social skills group, touch typing). There are no one to ones in place or any additional TA help, although some small group interventions (not current). To apply for an EHCP, do we (or the school) need to evidence that they have already used up their additional needs budget on the child?

2, My dd is consistently about 12-18 behind academically, and she has been since the beginning of her school life. So far, this hasn't got worse. It's remained consistent. However, we do have an EP report from a couple of years ago which says that how she is performing at school is not reflective of her abilities. Are we able to apply for an EHCP if the child is progressing, just at their own rate and not where they should be?

3, Are EHCP assessments only considered if you want to move your child to a SEN school? This has been implied to me as a reason why it may not be worth it. I think my dd should remain in a mainstream school, but with more formalised interventions in place. She is not disruptive, she wants to be sociable (although struggles with friendships). I don't think she would fit into a SEN school, although this may change depending on if her anxieties get worse in the next year.

4, What reasonable adjustments are considered at secondary if a child doesn't have an EHCP, but does have diagnoses? How can you ensure all the different teachers understand the issues without the document backing it up? The though of this is terrifying me at the moment.

Any thoughts appreciated. The question list is longer, but I'll save more for another time :)

Hi, I'm sure there will be other more knowledgeable people than me on soon but here you go:

1. The legal bar for applying for an EHCP is that 'the child may have SEN and may need an EHCP'. The school does not have to prove that it has used the £6000 but it is a common trick by LA's to turn applications down.

1. I can't remember what the criteria is for 'progress'. I think if the school cannot meet her needs and she is struggling to access the curriculum then that is when you would usually apply. Do you think she need access to professionals that the school can't provide at the moment ie Occupational therapy. That could be proof that she needs an EHCP.

1. No EHCP are used in mainstream schools too.

1. Not sure about this as my child is just going into primary. But if you think that she may need an EHCP at secondary school NOW is the time to apply. It can take a long time.

There's lots of information on the IPSEA and SOSSEN websites www.ipsea.org.uk sossen.org.uk

sossen also do very useful booklets about the EHCP process.

Thanks for going through the points one by one.

1, With regards to the money spent by the school, I think that one is a bit out of my hands anyway, so I'll see what the SENCO says.

2, Yes, she is struggling to access the curriculum because of a, sensory processing difficulties, auditory processing disorder, hypermobility of her fingers, and general processing issues. We have this specifically noted in an EP report.

3, Good to hear they cover mainstream as well, although I have a feeling our LEA - who are particularly awful - may view it differently.

4, I'll hope that someone else will respond re - secondary school, but yes, this is why I want to begin the process now.