Hello Grandma looking for advice for grandaughter in Wheelchair transitioning to secondary school

joyoga

Looking for advice re grand daughter moving to secondary school . She has EFD and is losing mobility quite quickly, unable to manage stairs now, she uses a wheelchair to get to school, she has EPC but her SENCO does not see a need to review prior to secondary transition 'because she does not have an educational need'  Her nearest academy secondary school has a poor academic record and is difficult to access, lifts frequently broken, pupils being carried up and down stairs . Any advice on researching possible alternatives would be most welcome. Her paediatrician suggests SENCO best person to write EPC. My daughter has approached several schools, some have not responded, she has viewed some schools but not found anywhere local that is accessible. The pressure seems to be to go to a special needs school but she is very bright and does not need academic support just the ability to access mainstream education. The legislation is there but not necessarily the provision in reality. Any advice welcome TIA

Cher_Alumni

Hello @joyoga

I understand your concern about your granddaughter's education and really admire you and your daughter for pushing for her needs to be met by an accessible school. To speak more in-depth about her particular circumstances, I'd encourage you to book a free advice line appointment with IPSEA in which you'll have 30 minutes to run through her situation and get their specialised input.  

While you could also contact the following organisations who have Special Educational Needs and Disability expertise:

• SENDIASS
• SOS!SEN

Please keep us posted with how you get on and I hope the transition to secondary school goes as smoothly as possible. Note: I've moved your thread to our Education category to help others see it and respond with their thoughts.

Take care.