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Hi Fizz55 sorry not to give you good news. We expected the school would get extra funding when our AS got an EHCP, but unfortunately it is up to the Authority and some chose to put this money into general SEN funds, so there are no extra funds for the EHCP. I did do a bit of searching to check this out and it did seem that authorities can chose how they spend this money.

However I think there is an SEN thing that may allow extra funding. Maybe someone else knows if this is correct.

Hi

My son also has an EHCP, parts of which I have had to challenge, so I have picked up some knowledge along the way.

Much will depend on how the EHCP is worded. Does it specify that your child needs 1:1 support for a certain amount of hours ie 30? If so it is unlawful to remove this support without it having been formally changed at annual or other review, and the basis for the change being that your child no longer needs that level of support.

The EHCP is a legally binding document. The school MUST implement its provisions. It is not lawful to remove support just because of a change in the banding system. However if the EHCP is vague and the hours of 1:1 are not specified in the document, the reduction in support may be harder to challenge.

If EHCP is specific and the support is not being implemented, you need to write to LA and inform them that the school is not adhering to the EHCP (perhaps write to Head of SEN and Head of Children’s Services). Request an emergency annual review. Get as much support as you can in your position - from SENDIAS, your Virtual School, SENCO, post-adoption support, CAHMS, whoever you can.

I strongly advise you to join ‘EHCP professional parents’ on Facebook. There are some very knowledgeable people in the group who will offer prompt advice - some of them know the law inside out and will direct you to the relevant legislation and case law.

The IPSEA website is also fantastic at explaining the law and your rights.

It seems overwhelming at first but after a couple of months of research and seeking advice you will become an expert. Much of what the LA or school tell you will simply be wrong.

Good luck!

Ah thank you so much, that is really, really helpful.

No, unfortunately the EHCP doesn’t specifically say that AD should have 30 hours 1-1, it just says ‘a member of staff should be reliably available to help her...’ which is a bit woolly, as I guess that could be interpreted as being the class teacher (although in reality there is no way a class teacher can always be available to my AD when she also has 29 other kids).

i will have a look at all those resources, thank you.

Seems such a shame that school are having to pay for all the professionals to rewrite their reports in order to change the LAs decision...

xx

In addition to what Beebo is saying - you can book a conference call with IPSEA - this can be done through their website but you need to be vigilant because when a slot comes up it is taken very quickly - I booked mine from work so had the site open all the time I was there to keep checking. They are excellent and can give you information on not just exactly what your legal position is but a clear plan for the way forward. They also sent me a lot of information by email afterwards (they ask for a brief outline of your queries by email before the call) The call lasts half an hour so you have to be prepared with everything you want to ask before you start

That sounds fantastic, thank you, I will try to book a call x