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EHCP

Deb70001

Hi, I wonder if anyone has any advice or can signpost me.  My 17 year old daughter (in year 12 at college) has just been awarded an EHCP (2nd time of applying, first time was prior to her autism diagnosis which happened a year ago!).  Alongside the autism she has specific learning difficulties.  Some of the draft plan is fine with specific targets but lots of it is quite vague - lots of "as appropriates" rather than specifics - shoudl I challenge this or is this normal to have a mix?  Also one of her major challenges is with anxiety as it has a huge impact upon her and I think has led her to develop selective mutism (not officially diagnosed but she stops speaking in some situations) yet the intervention is not specific.  It does say she should have support in developing and implementing strategies that she finds effective in asssiting her in regulating her own emotions, partcularly anxiety... but its to be provided by: key adults, for one hour a week 1:1. I don't know who these key adults are as her college can't provide it and really she needs CBT from an educational pschologist.  Has anyone managed to get that included in an ECHP?  Who could I ask for help to review this and tighten it up if possible?  

I've only got 10 days now to respond (I lost a few days of the 15 allowed through work commitments and a nasty lurgy) so desperately need help to sort it all out.  

Thanks

Parents

  • Hi Deb

    Please don't panic. (although it's easier said than done!)  You should definitely appeal considering the plan is vague. Most local authorities play this game of giving a vague plan and the minimum 15 hours which serves no purpose at all.

    You don't need legal knowledge in order to appeal. All you need to do is look at the provisions they have listed and check if it is specific i.e. how long will the intervention last for, who will provide the intervention, how many times or hours a week, what qualification do the staff need to do this. Eg. 2 hours of physiotherapy a week under the guidance of a TA who will be trained by a physio or Occupational therapist.

    Secondly, look at your daughter's need and see if they are being met. As you said if she has anxiety, she will need professional help. A school counselor will not be equipped to handle it.

    Once you appeal, you will get a hearing date from the tribunal and also a date for submitting your evidence. You will need to get professional  reports assessments and reports from a private educational psychologist to strengthen your case. 

    You have been successful in getting an EHCP, so might as well ensure that you get the benefit from it.

    I would suggest you look at the SOSSEN website for help. Their helpline is very useful. You pay a small amount to speak to their volunteers, but they are very thorough. Also would highly recommend the IPSEA tribunal helpline which is free.

    Good luck with your appeal!

  • in reply to Nikki

    Thank you Nikki, I really appreciate that.  I definitely feel out of my depth but to be honest the whole experience of navigating the SEN system has felt like that so I guess I shouldn't be surprised!  I will definitely look at SOSSEN and IPSEA thank you.

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