Daughter attends a special setting. She's been denied a place at a more suitable school. What now?

milesy40

Hi everyone, I’m mum to my loving and caring 9 year old autistic daughter. 

I’m looking for some advice. My daughter has a EHCP and attends a special setting. This was not the school I wanted for my daughter, but at the time of applying for EHCP my daughter was home schooled and was on the ASD pathway. My daughter didn’t meet the criteria for that school due to no diagnosis of autism. My child is very able and setting she attends is for severely delayed. Fast forward to 2019, daughter was diagnosed with autism and was accepted for a place at new setting, but no available places st that time. School are now denying my daughter this place, saying that she is a setting that can meet her needs, and this is now outdated. I’ve ask for and EP, but was told it would be a waste of their resources, because they have to buy them in. Just looking for some answers, I’m not getting anywhere with LA, Sen caseworker or school.
Thanks everyone

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @milesy40 Thanks for joining, and for telling us about the situation you're in.

So, your daughter currently attends a SEN school, has now been diagnosed with ASD and, as a result of that, was accepted for a place at a more suitable SEN school, but has been denied that place due to her current school allegedly meeting her needs. Have I got that right?

Have you ever had a chat with IPSEA or your local SENDIASS? Here's their information:

• IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)
• You'll need to find your local authority's SENDIASS. You can do this by searching online, e.g. Leeds SENDIASS. They should be able to offer you some free and impartial advice 

milesy40

Hi yes in a nutshell. I’ve been in touch with SENDIASS, but due to covid there is a long waiting time for telephone appointments. My daughter is not currently attending school, refusal, down to all time of non attendance due to school closing to all pupils apart from keyworkers children. Her case went to placement panel meeting, which I lost and they now want my daughter back at school. No talk of transition being put in place, just point blank return. Her absences are being recorded as an authorised. I have told school that I’m seeking advice, but next available appt not till late June.
Thanks for your reply

milesy40

Sorry unauthorised.