How to secure a move from Mainstream to an SEN School

Waspy

Hi all,

New here, so please don't bite!

I'm looking to call upon all the advice within this forum as to how we move both our boys (ASD diagnosed) from there current mainstream school to an SEN school that we visited today.

Both have EHCPs, both formally diagnosed with ASD, Sensory Processing and Global Development Delay. 

We have grown frustrated with their current schooling, progress as been minimal if not stagnated and our eldest has now had 3 1 to 1s in 3yrs (2 of which have sought full time employment at the same school!).

I'm very conscious that demand is high, supply is very very low, I just want to make sure we get this right first time of asking, i'm just really unsure how best we approach it to ensure of the desired outcome.

Whist the boys have 1to1 support, those place with them have zero experience in such a job role, therefore cannot adapt or tailor the learning effectively for our boys to progress. Its clear that the SEN school we have visited is exceptional, a specialist in ASD education, and would benefit our 2 boys infinitely, I'm just aware that it will take more than me saying 'They'd do better there' to get the move ultimately rubber stamped.

Many thanks in advance (apologies for the elongated post!)

Mama2016

I don’t have a big experience in send schools. My son is autistic but is able to stay in mainstream school and doesn’t require a one to one. However I have worked in schools with children that have required one to ones that were brilliant and fully trained. One of the boys teachers did recommend the child needed SEN school as the school couldn’t cope and he wasn’t learning anything at mainstream and the family agreed eventually. Have you spoken to SENCO the possibility of Sen school? When is their next EHCP review? Can you ask for them to change school on the EHCP? We just started the EHCP process and was asked if we wanted my son to go to a SEN school. I don’t know anything about reviews as we haven’t been through this process yet. Sorry if this isn’t much help I didn’t want to read and run. 

Hope123

Environment is key with autism so if you feel the school is right, definitely go for it.  Check with the school if they have places (as LEAs have been known to say there's no place, when there is, sorry to say).  You can ask for an EHCP review (I can't remember if you call it an early or an emergency one, but you're entitled to request one); at the review ask for a change of school; if they say no then you can appeal (I don't know if you've used their services before but IPSEA is a brilliant for guiding through this).

EDDad8

Hi Waspy,
Here's my opinion and wishing you success in finding the right fit for your boys.

1.    Review their EHCPs.

2.    Discuss with their current school's SEN Coordinator.

3.    Contact the local authority.

4.    Visit SEN schools.

5.    Seek professional advice.

6.    Start the application process.

7.    Keep records.