Hi all. Its a long time since posting on this board since child adopted as a baby when I got lots of help. New user name.
It's lovely to see some old names. I wanted some advice really. As a background my child is in Y5 with EHCP that I had to fight for and fund back in Y2. Unique EHCP was what the LA SEND described it as. No LD, just trauma, anxiety and SPD. No behavioural difficulties but always below expectations for government guidelines but still only slightly.
No huge diagnosis and have good support from PAS.
Anyway now having to consider secondary school provision as SEND LA like to start discussion in Y5.He does not meet special school requirements for Social, emotional, behavioural schools and professional opinion is that it would traumatise him as he struggles with anxiety from children in his current school who have behavioural issues. His EHCP states he needs a small, nurturing holistic school which he currently has at a state primary. But no state schools that meet that requirement in secondary schools in our county.
We do have a number of small, independent, less academic schools that are suitable and are cheaper to the LA than cost of sending him to an unsuitable specialist school. But SEND are being incredibly unhelpful. I know it's going to tribunal because they just refuse everything that costs money.
Would anyone recommend fighting for funding for small independent school? Or compromise and nominate a number of non local but highly reccomended state schools that are large but have good SEN provision and PAS work with regularly and advise have good adoption trauma understanding?
Any advice greatly received.