Tribunal decision - Mainstream to create a place for DC.

[workingmum]

Hi everyone.

I am trying to find out - as we are going to tribunal for a school place. Intended school has said they do not have the space and that Dc will affect the other kids. Now the LEA named a closer school but have recent argreed that that school is not suitable. If the tribunal were to decide that DC should go to or preferred school. How will LEA - council put in place additional resources - OT, modified work/ full currriculum , laptop usage, separate work area etc ? However our prefered school has an ASD unit - so do have the specialist teachers. But i guess with an additional child , they might need more teachers etc.

 

Will these be cheaper than trying to get LEA to fund a special school or an independent one ( this might also incur some additional resources).

[Grace]

Hi everyone.

I am trying to find out - as we are going to tribunal for a school place. Intended school has said they do not have the space and that Dc will affect the other kids. Now the LEA named a closer school but have recent argreed that that school is not suitable. If the tribunal were to decide that DC should go to or preferred school. How will LEA - council put in place additional resources - OT, modified work/ full curriculum , laptop usage, separate work area etc ? However our prefered school has an ASD unit - so do have the specialist teachers. But i guess with an additional child , they might need more teachers etc.

 

Will these be cheaper than trying to get LEA to fund a special school or an independent one ( this might also incur some additional resources).

 

You have a solicitor? Your solicitor should have written down the three schools and the costs involved - certainly the LA will do this. £3500 per term for the Independent if that is all the costs involved is not excessive, if that would compare to mainstream with say full one to one support. If OT therapy would be needed as an extra for all three schools that would be considered 'cost neutral' i.e. won't affect the decision about which school.

 

The LA have conceded that the mainstream can not meet his needs? So, I don't see any tribunal deciding that - the school has to be able to meet his needs and if you are all saying it can't then that's that.

 

So, you have the ASD unit school and the Independent. Don't be surprised if a space miraculously appears at the ASD unit school - it is a common occurrence. They often say they'd have to take on extra staff, but when quizzed this is not valid.

 

It depends on the 'extras'. Will your son also need one to one at the Independent, but not at the ASD unit? Do the ASD unit already have speech and language therapy say going into the school, but will have to pay for it as an extra at the Independent?

 

I remember that they want to meet up? Possibly they might be wanting to offer the ASD unit now or to check what extras you think he'll need at the independent. An ASD maintained school near me costs £24,000 per pupil (not boarding). Another one not too far away costs £18,000 per pupil per year.

 

Best Wishes

 

Grace/x