School placement in EHCP

[veenashreen]

We live in Reading and my DS is 4 year old autistic, has global developmental delay with developmental age around 20 months
and also has sensory processing difficulties. He attends a specialist nursery and has got EHCP and currently has specialist nursery in section I.

We have informed LA that our preference is to send DS to special school in September and LA has agreed and made applications to special schools in and around Reading. Looks like there are very limited places available in special schools and LA has has asked us to name mainstream school so that it can be named in the EHCP while the place becomes available in special schools.

Our worry is that there is no guarantee on when the place in special school would be available and DS would be sent to mainstream with part-time timetable. What options have we got to make sure we get the place in special school?

If you want SS then push for that. Unless the school you want is wholly independent LA's can only refuse to name your choice of placement under limited circumstances -

• The setting is unsuitable for age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs of the child or young person;
• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources.

'Just' being full isn't enough of a reason to refuse to name your choice. See this IPSEA page.

Have you looked at all the SS within travelling distance, including out of area and independent schools, that you think are suitable?

If you have a school you think best meets DS' needs go to tribunal if necessary.

Don't agree to name mainstream if it is not able to meet needs. Your son is entitled to full time education just like any other child. If no special school is available for September, could he stay at the specialist nursery for another term?

Look at special schools in neighbouring LAs, Section 41 schools and independent special schools.

To search for schools by local authority:
get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/

Section 41 special schools:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-special-schools-and-colleges

Independent special schools and colleges:
www.specialneedsguide.co.uk/

If you already have a preferred school, name it and be prepared to appeal.