Changing school on EHCP, how easy is it?

[nancyclancy123]

My ASD dd 10, has an EHCP and goes to an SEN school. She used to love school but this academic year has been a disaster, her behaviour has declined significantly and we’re battling to get her into school.

For the first time ever we feel that her teacher/class isn’t right for her (teacher is in agreement) and despite numerous emails/meetings etc nothing has been done to support her.
The main issue is the constant changing of staff and lack of consistency.

Anyway, we’ve decided that we need to look at other schools for her. When we’ve found a school, how do we go about applying for a place and changing the named school on her EHCP? TIA

If you think the assessments are still up to date and the EHCP meets DD's needs other than the placement you would request an early review. However, the LA don't have to agree and you don't have the right of appeal. Then you are left with either waiting for the annual review or requesting a reassessment of needs which if refused does come with the right of appeal.

Or if you think a reassessment of needs is requested you can do that. Afterwards you are sent a draft and can name your school preference.

IPSEA have model letters for early reviews and reassessment of needs.

Have you got it in writing that the school agree they can't meet DD's needs? Make sure to follow up meeting and verbal conversations with emails so you have written evidence.

How easy a change of placement will be depends on what school you want. For example, it will be a bigger battle if you want an expensive independent SS.

You need to request an interim annual review - which is kind of like an emergency one. And you need to state you have called it because you think a change of placememnt is needed due to school no longer meeting need.
If school agrees and there is space in the school you want then it can be quite starighforward. However, that still means it will take probably a couple of terms.....

Nothing in special needs moves quickly!