EHCP request

[Lifeispassingby]

I am completing EHCP assessment request for LO aged 3yrs 6months. On the waiting list for Paeds assessment for probably ASD but unlikely to be seen before starting school next Sept. Has just been seen by OT for sensory processing needs, is very boisterous, clumsy and active, like 100mph constantly. OT said he needs regular (at most hourly, but more often than that if possible) sensory input for his propreceptive (sp) needs so heavy work, pressure, joint compressions etc along with frequent sensory circuits- alerting activities followed by organising then calming. Nursery are on board and happy to deliver this, but my question is will these needs be met in mainstream? I’m terrified the request for EHCP will be turned down and they will say needs can be met without an EHCP?

The LA may refuse to assess or refuse to issue, but if they do you should appeal. The majority of appeals are upheld.

The OT report needs to be more detailed, specified and quantified.

This literally sounds like my LO that is 2 1/2 years old. I am also in the process of gathering evidence for the ECHP. I managed to get a detailed OT assessment with special education needs outcome. Please do so aswell it’s a few pages long. I’m gathering my last bits of evidence then will send off. Please update me on how you get on as my LO has sensory processing disorder alongside waiting ASD assessment. If it gets turned down then just appeal. All the best!

Hello, if you don't mind me asking, how did you go about arranging OT? My child sounds similar to yours, very boisterous, 100mph all the time, awaiting ASD assessment (poss also ADHD when they get older), they're just turned 4 and started school this September. Have made parental application for ECHNA, local inclusion arranged for Ed psych a few months ago (currently awaiting her report, waiting lists meant LO couldn't be seen before starting school). School are really struggling so we're hoping Ed psych can offer some guidance, LO already has fulltime higher needs funding so gets a 1:1 (who happen to be SEND trained) but this hasn't prevented them struggling.

My HV referred him to OT for his sensory needs. Unfortunately our LA won’t accept private reports only NHS ones so going private won’t help with the EHCP. The request has gone today, very detailed with help form the nursery SENCO so hopefully they will agree to assess as that’s the first hurdle!

It isn’t lawful for the LA to have a blanket policy of refusing to accept independent reports. And, SENDIST consider all evidence.

curlydiamond if the LA agree to assess, an OT assessment can be part of the EHCNA. Alternatively, or as well as, in some areas, you can self refer to OT or, if not, the GP can. However, not all ICBs commission sensory OT on the NHS.

We heard today they will consider whether to assess or not on 30th October! Thankfully not too long so if they say no at this point we have time to appeal/reapply 🤞

Hopefully they will keep to time schedule, as the closing date for naming schools I think is the 15th of January.
From what I can remember most reception classes are more like nursery school play. With lots of base line assessments to see what the pupils are capable of.
Year 1 is when education really kicks in.

OP should submit an application for a reception place via the normal admissions procedure whether the LA agree to assess or not just in case because she won’t have a finalised EHCP by the deadline.

Yes am applying any way as high probability we won’t get specialist at this stage

You should apply anyway, but just so you are aware if you get an EHCP, even if it names a mainstream placement that will overrule any offer made from the normal admissions procedure.

From what I can remember most reception classes are more like nursery school play. With lots of base line assessments to see what the pupils are capable of.

This really varies depending on the school & intake. DD is reception mainstream in a school with typically high ability kids & low deprivation. There have been reading books with words since the second week of term, most of the children knew a lot of letter sounds and numbers before school and behaviour expectations are high. Its just a state primary. Different schools vary hugely in reception.