Do we need an ECHP if we leave the country?

Twigglet1

I'm having a nightmare trying to understand what to do about an EHCP. This all might be outing information but I don't know where to turn to for help.

We are leaving the country in December to live abroad for 3-5 years.

My little one should start Reception in September 2023. He has learning disabilities and is not ready to go. He is 3 and presents as an 18 month old. I would be delaying him if we were to stay in the UK. I am going to defer him anyway so it is on his records.

My health visitor has said that we should do a EHCP before we leave because then we will have something on his file for when we come back. It may need updating but at least it's there and we won't have to wait for support services to re-engage.

My support worker through the council (IDS) went off sick in May and there was no replacement. The nursery were getting support from her manager who sent them the forms to complete for the EHCP. We find out today that the manager has retired and there is no replacement for her either.

There's a generic email on the form but all emails sent there go into the ether.

I've called SENDIAS today. They will call back within 5 days

IPSEA has not appointment slots.

Can anyone help?

Should we do an EHCP?

Who can help with filling it in?

Why is it this hard? (this one's rhetorical)

Adrian_Scope

Hello @Twigglet1 and a warm welcome to the community.

If you're leaving in December there may not been time to complete an EHCP before you go but I do understand your reasons for doing so. Does your little one currently attend a nursery or childcare provision? If so, they should be able to help with this.