Hi

Following on from my previous thread about problems with school I wonder if anyone can help.

My son has a full statement and has a full time 1:1 in school. He is 5 years old with ASD and also very complex health needs. I do not feel the school are fulfilling his needs and despite meetings etc to convince me otherwise I remain, well, unconvinced.

He attended nursery in an independent school before he had a statement and he adored it. The school was amazing and catered for his needs wonderfully. When he got his statement the Ed psych felt the school was the best place for him but other agencies managed to convince us a state placement would be far better for him in the long run. This coupled with the fact we couldn't really afford the fees made us move him. The LEA were going to fund his 1:1 if he stayed there.

However, when I said to SEN I felt he should be back there and if I could somehow muster up the fees would want him back there. They said that they would not fund his 1:1 there. If I can get the fees does anyone know my rights on the 1:1 bit??? Surely if the ed psych and I can put forward how much better the setting was for him etc?? Surely he is entitled to an education from an independent school just as much as any other child is.

Please, if anyone has any advice at all I would be sooooo grateful. I feel so desperate that I have made such a big mistake. He begs all the time to go back there and you will all know how hard it is to hear that. He faces numerous more open heart surgeries and one will be soon ish so I really need him to be happy and quick.

Many Thanks x x

Hi kellie,

I have a friend in a very similar situation, the schooling in our area did not meet the needs of her child. So she put her son into a private school which better suits his needs. The lea refused to
Transfer the sen help from the state school. At the moment they have instructed a solicitor who has sent in a psychologist to see what's best for the child. My friend has free legal aid, so if you are in the position push for it. It looks to be a long drawn out fight for my dear friend, due to the lack of cooperation

Good luck Kelly

I worked in the independent sector for a few years and funding for a 1:1 was never an option, the LEA wouldn't. So I am really suprised you said if he stayed they'd have funded. The general rule of thumb is if you take your child out, you are required to finacially fund yourself for everything.

Alot of ASD children do really well in the indpendant sector due to the small class sizes and the way they are strutured. I saw many come through my doors and fly. However they did not have health needs. So my opinion is if thats where you want him, talk to the school, they may be able to help you and have funding of their own, but the LEA are very unlikely too, sorry.