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I think it might be worth getting advice from IPSEA - if you go on their website you can book a consultation for half an hour for advice - they are very good - you have to be persistent when booking an appointment as the slots go very quickly

. Do you have an alternative school in mind that she could go to.

I completely understand why you are upset, but if they are closing the unit, its a much bigger funding issue than just saving money on her education. Your individual circumstances, or that of other children won't come into it, If the school funding issues are forcing the closure of the unit, they aren't going to change that decision because of your situation. They should however, be more supportive about where she goes next, I think you might get further if you can identify another school than the one they are suggesting and fighting for that.

I realise this doesnt sound very sympathetic, I am, but just trying to be realistic. There is a school funding crisis, particularly for special education and you are one of the victims.

Thanks Serrakunda. I'm not delusional, I know they won't keep the unit open because of my daughter. Yes I have another school in mind but LA isn't happy with the idea because it's out of borough.

Do you have post adoption support involved?

I dont have but do you think they could help somehow?

Sometimes the 'professionals' will only listen to another 'professional', because as parents we of course know nothing. The education officer we had didn't have a clue about adoption issues and caused me quite a lot of problems. I just bypassed her in the end but the issues were different and I could achieve what I wanted despite her.

It can't hurt to speak to PAS, thats the route I would go down at this stage.

Another good ally might be the headteacher of the school that meets her needs. For example you can invite them to attend an official meeting with you. You need to OK it with the meeting convener, but in my experience they normally feel obliged to not refuse. Then at the meeting they will listen to her/him, because as Serrakunda says, that's how it works. The headteacher will naturally have a convincing argument as to why their school uniquely meets your child's needs.