The way to securing residential placement is to ensure the content of the EHCP accurately reflects DD’s needs and the provision required. To do this the evidence needs to be up to date and strong evidence rather than the vague waffly evidence LAs usually rely on. You can start to build your evidence now. EP, SALT, OT, SW/ISW will all help.
At DD’s age, the LA may try to rely on providing a care package/placement as well as day provision rather than a residential college placement, so it is a good idea to be preferred in case that happens and have evidence to show DD needs the residential aspect e.g. because she needs all provision in one place rather than transitions.
The term waking day curriculum isn’t used much these days. It is a term that fell out of favour. This is because of UT rulings. The Noddy guide gives a basic overview of some of the case law around this and why. Instead, exactly what provision is required needs to be set out in the EHCP.
If DD is to move from one post 16 placement to another in September 2027, the EHCP must be finalised by 31st March 2027. To do this, the transition review should be held in the autumn term. Some LAs incorrectly hold it in the preceding summer term, but they shouldn’t.
Many have to appeal, I’m afraid.
For solicitors, you could look at Andrew Barrowclough or Nathan Davies at HCB and Helen Gill or Chris McFarland at Sinclairs. You could also look at Access to Public Law. If you go down the advocate route, be careful. Some are good but some do more harm than good. It is an unregulated area. To give you all the options, you could look at a direct access barrister. Cheaper than a solicitor but doesn’t hold your hand in quite the same way.