EHCP Funding/Hours Gap - Advice please

Hi all, 

Our 4 year old has just started mainstream school with an EHCP. Communication with the school has been good so far but there is a gap between the funding we have managed to get and full school hours and he clearly needs full time support. Currently our son is not attending full time as we and the school agree a more gradual transition to full time would be good for him but does anyone know if are we legally required to send him in full time? Our concern is that if the school can't fund the gap in hours (understandably) then he will be at risk for the hours he doesn't have 121 support. Any advice/experience greatly appreciated!

  • Hi, our son started on half days as did all the other new reception children and found he was doing ok but was exhausted with all the change and new things to deal with. The other children had the option of going in full time from week 3 but we agreed that might be a bit too much for him at this stage. He is now having lunch there (another change navigated!) so he's in 8.30 - 1.15 at the moment. The school have been good with us I have to say but we're due a discussion about extending those hours which is where the funding issue has arisen as even if we think our son was ready they may not be able to offer the 121 support we got funding for. We battled to get full EHCP funding but the school (and many others across the country I understand) say there is still a shortfall for full-time 121 provision. The one hour for your daughter does seem very little in comparison, are you able to talk to the school about it?