You’ve got your EHCP and the LA haven’t found a specialist school placement, now what?

It’s a phrase I hear all the time.  We finally secured our EHCP, but we don’t have a school place, can you help?  The LA consulted with a few schools who don’t have spaces in the year group or can’t meet needs, now what?

I always recommend that parents start their school search early during the EHC Needs Assessment process.   This is the 10 week period where the Local Authority will be gathering evidence about your young person’s special educational needs and deciding whether to issue an EHC plan or not.  You should have a good handle at this point in your journey as to the type of education you think will be suitable for your young person.  You need to get on and do your homework around schools now.  Don’t leave it to the Local Authority, you need to be proactive.

You will find that specialist schools won’t typically allow you to visit unless they have had sight of an EHCP and confirmed that they can meet needs.  Instead, review their website, join local Facebook groups and get recommendations or insight from other parents.  Most importantly start drawing up your short list.  You will need this once your draft EHC plan is issued because that is when the Local Authority will ask you for your school preferences. 

Start organising tours of the schools that will allow you to visit.  Pick up the phone and speak to schools to gather more information and tell them about your young person.  This will help in building your short list and starting your homework early.

You have 15 days from receiving a draft EHCP to express a preference for a specific school. You can name more than 3 schools for the Local Authority to consult with.  These days school places can be hard to find so it’s key to send out lots of consultations.  Keep on top of the consultations and timings, and get the Local Authority to chase for responses from schools (schools have 15 days to respond to a LA Consultation).  Parents who are proactive and drive the process with the Local Authority, are much more successful. Don’t be afraid to do so.

I am passionate about ensuring families are proactive in working with their Local Authority, to ensure the right provision and the right school for their young person.  If you need help to secure a specialist school placement, then please get in touch. 

EHCP Schools specialise in helping families navigate the EHCP process and find specialist education.  We source the best education for young people with special educational needs, including ASD, PDA, ADHD, SPD, Depression & Anxiety, Attachment Disorder, Tourette's, Speech Language and Communication needs, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, SEMH, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, autistic burnout and EBSA.  Please visit us at: www.ehcpschools.co.uk 

Tamara King is an experienced Educational Consultant for SEN, and an expert by experience as a parent to children who had EHCP's and attended specialist schools. Please contact us at tamara@ehcpschools.co.uk