Specific learning difficulty

[Catsandallthingscrazy]

So my 9y.o son has been diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty , mainly based on poor processing and poor working memory. He is now 2 years behind in Maths and struggles with Comprehension and spelling. His Educational psychologist and local SENDiass have told me that he is unlikely to meet the threshold for an EHCP . However the SENDiass person I'm in contact with ( on a monthly basis ) has suggested if I'm struggling with current primary school support then she's recommending a Needs assessment to determine if he actually needs any further support. The school both my kids ( youngest is 7y.o) is at is pretty useless and I year two didn't even tell me there was a problem or indeed he was in interventions until several months . I only found out he was in Interventions due to home schooling in Lockdown and struggling to teach him basic maths concepts. Then in year three despite me constantly telling them they needed to change tacks they carried on tea hig him in an attempt to catch him up but failed in both year 2 and year 3 maths. They then announced at the end of year 3 that they couldn't guarantee interventions for year 4. We are very blessed that this year's teacher has added him to 6 different interventions and seems to get the requirements he needs. My question is , he has now 2 x APDRs documents in place , obviously the educational psychologist assessment report and the last two years of school reports and of course attended year 4 since September 2021 , is this enough evidence that parts of the interventions aren't working ? The current SENDco for the school (she's new and seems is a bit of a know it all ! ) says we need to wait until two consecutive half terms in interventions to be able to determine if they are effective. So basically after Easter , essentially two weeks after kids come back after Easter. She is adamant about all this amd point blank refuses to budge on sending in a Needs assessment application now when the Educational psychologist and SENDiass lady says the complete opposite. Id move both kids to another school but the recommended schools don't have availability in both years ! Anyone any suggestions ? Thanks

Have you had a look at the IPSEA advice?

You can apply for an EHCNA yourself, IPSEA have a model letter you can use on their website. You don’t need to wait for the school.

Is this an LA EP? Sadly schools and LAs often incorrectly tell parents their DC doesn’t need or won’t get an EHCP, but the parents go on to successfully apply themselves. Be wary of SENDIASS, some are good, but too many repeat the LAs unlawful policies. They receive LA funding so aren’t wholly independent and will ultimately toe the party line.

The threshold for an EHCNA is relatively low - a) has or may have SEN, and b) may need SEN provision to be made via an EHCP. That is the only lawful test. Any other hoop (e.g. 2/3/4 assess, plan, do, review cycles, spent £6k etc) the LA want you to jump through is unlawful. You should have enough evidence to get you over the initial threshold.

Appeal if the LA refuse, the majority of appeals are upheld.

This is a site that tells you how to appeal if your plan is refused.

www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/media/how-to-appeal-to-the-send-tribunal-send-education-lawyers/

Equalbutdifferent, No not heard of IPSEA advise or website will have a look later tonight. Thanks
No had to draft in a Private E.P as hopeless school quoted corona virus and No LA Apersonnel coming into schools etc etc ! so hopefully she's more "independent "?
Thanks for the rest of the links and advise. Does any of your peeps have kids that have specific learning difficulties and achieved EHCPs at all ? Just curious thats all !

No not yet, ironically E.P from Saffron Walden area but no mention on her report ?

Does the EP have SENDIST experience? If so, why do they think DS won’t qualify for an EHCP?