nominations of candidates for consideration in accordance with section 316/316A. re: search for schoo

[workingmum]

LEA and us at stalemate - No school yet - for Sept 2011, going to tribunal soon. Recent DX meant tribunal date moved forward.

Now, both mainstream schools not suitable - LEA and ours - need small class size, vulnerability etc. now put forward several other independent but not special schools - not considering as DC is HFA. Has any been in this situation where date moved for further consideration by LEA and parents - re school suitability and any advice.

 

No response from LEA so far - all gone quiet not sure. re my title - any had this situation - what we will expect at the tribunal - dont want surprises.

[Kazzen161]

You can look at other schools if you choose - why not go and visit some independent specialist schools. Visit the suggested schools too and if you don't like them, make sure they are fully aware of your son's difficulties . The LA has no power to make independent schools take a child.

[Sally44]

Has your LA sent to you their list of approved and independent special schools? If not they should have sent that with the Proposed Statement.

 

Many LEAs have children based at other independent schools across the UK. There is a search website that lists alot of schools, but I can't remember what it is. I'm sure someone will post it.

 

You can search via the Ofsted website and can look at certain independent special school providers such as Senad or Priory Group.

 

What you need to do is to list all his diagnoses and difficulties and phone these schools and ask them whether they cater for these groups of children. You are looking initially for any school within a taxi journey distance that can meet his needs. If there is nothing you then have to start looking further afield, but that would then mean residential as well.

 

The school will want to see your child, usually for 3 days and if they feel he is suitable they will offer you a place for your child in writing. You need that letter BEFORE you go to Tribunal. If you don't have a placement sorted the Tribunal will go with what the LA are proposing.

 

Many special schools will have someone who can come to Tribunal to answer any questions about the school. And often these schools will carry out some kind of assessment or produce a report that you need to submit to the Tribunal before the deadline. If it is after you will need to request that it is admitted as late evidence - you need to speak to Sendist for them to explain to you how to do that.

[Sally44]

This is the link to another search website.

 

http://www.isbi.com/isbi-runsearch.asp

[Kathryn]

Now, both mainstream schools not suitable - LEA and ours - need small class size, vulnerability etc. now put forward several other independent but not special schools - not considering as DC is HFA.

 

I'm not clear - hgave you approached the independent schools and are they saying that they can't cater for your son's needs?

 

If you're still searching for schools try this:

 

http://www.schoolsforspecialneeds.co.uk/

 

K x

Edited May 15, 2011 by Kathryn

[workingmum]

what a turnaround - lea school confirms that they cannot provide for Dc needs - we have tribunal next - now what , we have an offer from an independent school that has all the support Dc needs. LEA school was asked to come to tribunal and they have responded negative as cant provide. does that mean lEA will pull out or will they force the school to make neccessary arrangement - knowing fully well that DC requires OT,SALT, 1 to 1 support, anxiety issues. Lea choise school says they cannot provide - not lea choice school is an academy - any bearing?