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FranI was at info day last week, the presenter referred to a Special Educational Needs Code of Practice published by DfE. She had a son with autism and she had used the code to beat the lea round the head with many times - successfully. She recommended that we all get a copy and have it surgically attachedMight be worth getting hold of if you havent already come across itgood luck

Just to support Gardens comments that it can be done and good luck. We were in similar position School actively against statement (they saw it as a judgement on them if a statement was given and that they were seen to have failed- well they did fail her actually but I won't go on). So we got a statement and DLA. When looking at special schools we were advised to look at a mainstream school with DSP I was v sceptical but went just so we could say we had and had ruled it out. I was blown away with it and am now a walking advert for them will tell anyone who willing (or happy to force them) to listen. I'm not saying it is appropriate just don't rule anything out as you can end up getting abit of tunnel vision when pursuing these things.

Thanks everyone, What is a DSP? please xx

when I was after a place in a special school in the neighbouring authority I visted all the alternative options in my own LA first and then the other school. my local mainstream highschool was very helpful and very proactive, but ultimately wouldn't have ben able to meet my sons social and medical needs, the LA MLD school was so far away it would have interfered with my sons health and well being (and just didn't 'feel right but couldn't quantify that!) and the local SLD school was just not the right place for him. when I applied for the out of area school I listed all the reason that this school was going to best meet his needs and used their own info to do that, I then outlined very clearly why each of the other schools wouldn't best meet his needs. I was turned down initially so I applied for a tribunal. a couple of days before the tribunal the LA caved, he was given a place for the following term. no other child in my LA had ever got a place without going to tribunal, no idea why we were a special case! it definitely helps to be able to say exactly why one school will be better than the others, and why the local schools are not appropriate.ironically this out of LA school was actually the nearest school to home (other than the mainstream comp), the MLD school was 30 miles away, the SLD school 10 miles away and the MLD school in neighbouring LA 5 miles away! anyway, good luck. check out the school's prospectus and use it to see what exactly they offer and how your child fits the bill for the type of child they are best suited to.

I too, was in a similar position. School did not want to apply for statement, as they saw little chance of success. But I got it.DLA too- wasn't sure how this would go, and it's depressing filling it all in- but we got it.I got plenty of info/inspiration from these boards. Gather your evidence now.Have you contacted Parent Partnership? I think that's where I got the Code of Practice for SEN from, and other useful paperwork.It is more possible than school would have you believe!!!Lots of luckGLP

Thanks everyone xx

Sorry only just noticed your question. A DSP is a Designated Special Provision which means it had a specialism eg autism. Ours is complex learning needs. It is basically a classroom in the mainstream school. A sort of in between mainstream and special school. I am amazed at what they can offer, obviously depends on individual school. We ar working at level 2, don't do languages, arrangement for lunch etc different, 1:1 for maths and English. Our ed psychologist was very honest about the good and not so good DSP in the area. Ours also brings free transport as it is abit of a distance.

Thanks Conna,i shall look into it.