Applied for EHCP

[GeeGeex]

Hello everyone.

My Son is 9. Diagnosed Autism from 3 years old. Academically he has been “ok”. He’s been ‘slightly’ below since he was in year 2. With chew buddy, wobble cushion, ear defenders, timers, weighted blanket, adult support and interventions, brain breaks if needed. Although it is fabulous he does get access to this, he is still falling behind. One of my worries are once he starts high school, majority of this support will be stripped from him.

He soils every day in school. Doesn’t tell the teachers, he comes home so sore 😢. They had swimming lessons with school and although I told them how worried I am as he can’t dress himself appropriately and he will forget to put his boxers on (even more of a worry as he soils). They forgot twice and on other occasions he came home with things inside out, back to front.

Every day he forgets his planner and homework book. And although they have a checklist in place since year 2. This very clearly isn’t working.

When I spoke to the head teacher I said “I do think as he seems ok. He gets forgotten about”. And he replied “possibly”.

There are other areas of concern to which I won’t go into as otherwise it will turn into paragraphs up on paragraphs. Just a Mum, really looking for some information about if he gets denied access to be assessed, what I am up against.

Also sometimes it’s nice to speak to other Sen parents. It can feel lonely at times.

Thank you x

Hi @GeeGeex
There are probably a lot more informed parents on here (to explain the legalities) most LA's will push back and refuse (particularly on first application they are notorious for it) it might not necessarily be the case for you......just because your son appears fine doesn't mean he is (as you have pointed out) I would keep a note of all the stuff you have written about here to strengthen your case, he clearly needs more support so best to get it in now.......even if the school pushes back and says he has this and that (and the LA will try to do it to).....you push back harder. it is your right to request an assessment......I have had endless battling with the system (and also my DDs school before her ASD diagnosis) because she seemed 'fine'.... you know your son better than anyone and if you feel it is necessary go for it....if push comes to shove and its a constant 'No' speak to your GP (if you have a good understanding one)
Good luck and don't feel downhearted you are not alone (lots of people on here for advice and support) you sound like a great mum protecting her son🙂
PS. Just read the title of your post again, have you already applied? don't feel defeated if they refuse to assess, they did that with my DD don't take No for answer fight back parents applying for an EHCP rarely lose but it can be a long process unfortunately

If the LA refuse to assess or refuses to issue, you can appeal.

In the meantime, request a meeting with the SENCO.

Thank you so much. Yes I applied myself. There was a time in year 2. When the teacher told me there was nothing more she could do for him as a teacher. When once we had a meeting with the Senco in key stage 1. She told me the typical “he won’t get an EHCP”. Unfortunately I didn’t realise a parent could apply themselves at this point.

thank you so so much for your support 🥹❤️ x

I was told the same thing @GeeGeex and also by the Senco 'she won't get one I can tell you that for nothing'......tbh it has not really been the great help I expected it to be (support which wasn't great, barely changed) however it does give you leeway for more options, especially later down the line particularly for secondary school support....you are on track you got this 💪....also without sounding patronising @ChasingMoreSleep is incredibly knowledgeable/helpful regarding sen law and the intricacies of it all 😃

@ChaiLatteandAsprinkleofchocolate you can work on improving the content of the EHCP as part of the appeal you are going to submit. I know your thread was about appealing the placement, but when you appeal section I, it is a good idea to appeal B&F as well because the placement named in section I is the logical conclusion of B&F. B + F = I. They shouldn’t do it, but it is also likely the LA has written B&F in a way that supports the naming of the inappropriate school in I. B&F sound like they need improving anyway.

Yes @ChasingMoreSleep you absolutely hit the nail on the head they have written it to support the naming of the inappropriate school in section i you are 100% right and it was why they added some content in that supports that....(insert an expletive I won't write but you can imagine) 😂.......thanks for the advice it makes sense, I will appeal b and f too ......
Also sorry for jumping on your thread @GeeGeex with this.....as you can see I am also getting help and advice too because I am currently in a battle with the LA over the named secondary school but that's a whole other story..... we all keep fighting 💪😄

Do not worry at all. We are just trying and fighting for our children. Hats off to everyone of us doing this for our children. All here for each other along the way ❤️ x