My 17yo son (ASD and complex SEMH) has an EHCP that was updated in spring this year. It has a dual registration placement listed in section I. He’s a section 20 kid. He goes to a mainstream college that stated that they could not meet unless the (at the time current) residential SEN placement took over the aspects of the EHCP that they could not fulfil. This dual registration has worked really well.
The LA then sent notice (last week) to the residential part saying that he will no longer be attending as of the start of August… 4 weeks time..
They have given us no reason, just that they will no longer fund that placement. They want to put him in alternative accommodation where he can transition to adulthood in a supported environment. Which is exactly the support he is currently getting.
The residential setting is an independent therapeutic Sen school and home.
He is at the end of his 1st year of a 2 year course and will therefore be leaving both places in 11 months and then going to uni. This battle has been going on since Jan of this year and has caused a significant decline in his mental health. He has a history of ASD induced psychosis caused by an increase in anxiety.
I have notified the LA that they are breaching section 42 of C&F Act.. but they don’t care and are doing this anyway. I am being fobbed off with delays to the tier 2 complaint. I have raised it with the LGSCO who are waiting to see what happens.. I have contacted our councillors and MP.
We have an EHCP meeting on Monday as reports were not available at the review meeting from Ed psych etc. and these are needed to make changes to the support and outcomes section. I know that the LA will use this as an opportunity to change section I.
And when they do we will go to tribunal.
I asked them whether going to tribunal would put a hold on their changes and make them adhere to the current EHCP - and they said “no” they will push ahead with their changes.
So in 4 weeks time, my son, with no explanation will be forced to move, possibly to live on his own, they have no intention of listening to his wishes documented in the EHCP meeting as they have already served notice.
None of the professionals involved want this move to go ahead. But the LA have made the decision to do it anyway..
Please give me your thoughts and advice - please be kind - I am at my wits end.