EHCP Rejected- now to Appeal- help!

[mollyminniemo]

Hi all
Received the pretty devastating news that DS (10) EHCP was rejected today.
This after a string of cock ups- firstly, his school sitting on his application for half a year as it was forgotten. Then our local authority taking nearly a year from application to hear this decision.
Huge delay with giving us an assessment, then this was only done virtually so the EP never actually met DS.
Then after my following up in emails- a strong of confusing emails being told one person was his caseworker, said person then replying to me and colleagues saying he hadn't been handling DS case at all (3 months post assessment) and then strong of rushed emails saying he now was his caseworker, then actually another woman taking over. The rushed to panel last week and heard today.
Will definitely be appealing.
Can anyone with any experience tell me if you found a SEN/EHCP Consultant or solicitor in the appeal process useful and do you have any recommendations? Thus has all dragged on for so long. Looks like DS (3) is also Autistic, I have no energy, time, patience to now fight this case myself and take it to tribunal. I will 100% need some expert support. My parents have said they will try to help with costs. Just any advice on where to turn for this would be hugely appreciated. Thankyou.

You might want to come and join the EHCP thread?

Thanks CasadeCoca will do, shall I just repost this in there or is it too long for that do you think?

Not too long at all. You will find your fellow travellers!

Oh thankyou x

Have you checked if you are eligible for legal aid?

If money is limited you should prioritise independent assessments over representation, especially considering you may have to appeal the content/placement and have appeals for DS2.

You don’t need a solicitor or advocate. If you do decide to look for a solicitor you could try: Simpson Millar, Coram Children’s, Sinclairs, Bailey Wright, Watkins & Gunn. If you do go with an advocate you should choose carefully. They are unregulated and whilst there are good ones there are also ones that do more harm than good to your case.

In case it is relevant in the future for DS2, the EHCP process is governed by statutory timescales. If the LA breaches them they can be enforced if necessary.

Hi

Can I know this is few months old just wondered how you were getting on?

We've sadly been refused a plan today, I'm devastated