JADR hearing/tribunal for specialist school help

[Arthurnewyorkcity]

Hi there,

I'm hoping someone has experienced this who can offer some guidance.
We have applied for a specialist school for our son, asd, learning difficulties, non verbal, poor receptive language etc. LA is saying mainstream. The LA requested an extension to the evidence deadline and for the tribunal date to be moved (was scheduled for august and they wanted sept). We responded that we did not agree and to stop wasting time basically. The tribunal has responded saying the date for final hearing has moved.. to April. However, we have to attend judicial dispute alternative resolution first which I assume is like a mediation? Has anyone been before? What happened?
The LA have no evidence in our case. Their evidence is the mainstream schools send statement and latest ofsted.

Thank you if you made it this far

Thank you for this I’m hoping for a positive outcome out hearing is a 2pm
the LA are using the cost and trying to find cheaper alternative as their excuse but this has been going on since Jan 2022 and should have been completed in may 2022 the time line of the Ehcp ran 23 weeks over to be actually finalised. Still then with them naming the school that can’t meet needs so my daughter has missed out on so much already and it is very unfair now.

All went amazing LA agreed for start our preferred school after may half term judge drafted for immediate effect one happy family :)
thank you all

Hi @Arthurnewyorkcity , great news re your son getting into the school of your choice, hope the move goes well in September.

I was just wondering when you first lodged your appeal of section I/when you realised mainstream was going to be suitable beyond the end of reception.

My DD sounds similar to your DS and my gut says mainstream won’t be right for her, but that’s obviously what the LA are pushing. It’s an inclusive school and has an informal ARP type set-up for children who can’t manage in their mainstream class full time, but of course that’s not guaranteed year to year. I’ve already met with the SENCO there. She’s due to start reception in September 2025.

Part of me would like to give mainstream reception a try for one year so at least I know I tried. Part of me thinks why should she have to fail in mainstream before getting a chance in a special school.

And also, I worry that if I give reception a go and it doesn’t work out, there’s no guarantee she’ll start in a special school by the start of year 1.

And my concern is that as a child who is already significantly delayed, she has no time to waste in the wrong setting so I want to try and get it right from the start.

That’s brilliant news, well done!

@Ponche hi, thank you for your well wishes. Its a very personal decision. Our current mainstream school setting also has a ARB. I wouldn't say my son has 'failed it'. He's adored and in a 3 staff to 3 children ratio in a separate mobile to the main class.
If you are keen I'd start the process sooner rather than later, especially if your new sendco thinks so too. I'm not sure if you meant to put 2025 or 2024 but that's still some time away if 2025. My ds went to school non verbal, language of around 14 months and not toilet trained. He still remains the same but is the happiest little lad. Understanding has come a long way too.
I wish you and your daughter well whatever you decide. Our current setting is not our catchment school. We looked around a lot before we opted for the one he's at. We were also told if we opted for specialist and didn't get it on initial normal application, then we'd end up in our catchment school which is awful. So we chose mainstream from the start then started the send35 form very quickly into starting.
You will 'get it right' from the start as you're clearly caring already doing your research. You've got this with an army of people behind and in front of you. X

@Mumof5123 wow that took a long time. You must be so pleased. Time to put the stress behind you. Good luck for the future! :)