Secondary Transition

[mortisha69]

Hi,

 

I am hoping for some information.... my son is starting year 6 in Sept at a local mainstream junior school and will be transitioning to secondary school the following year.. He was diagnosed HF ASC, ADHD, PSTD, OCD and Has my genetic condition of Ehler-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type... he was given a statement shortly after diagnosis and currently has 25 hours weekly.

 

We started looking at schools about 5 months ago and we found the perfect school for him. Our choices seem to be extremely limited as we want a mainstream school with an Autistic Provision attached to it.. We know through thorough research as well as knowing our son, that this kind of secondary school will be the best suited to his needs and will be able to allow his full potential to be reached..

 

So we found one, locally. the problem? One- it is a different/neighboring council to the one we live in, but the same as the one our son currently attends school in. Second problem, they only take a limited number of students a year. I mean a very small number. But it truly is a fantastic school, as I said local to where we live and work and close enough that in the future, eventually, our son would be able to go to school independently, without our assistance. the most important part is, our son also visited it and really likes it. this is saying something as currently the idea of secondary school raises serious debilitating anxiety in my son.

 

Now there is another issue added to this. we have since found a mainstream secondary school in our council area that we live. The school is fantastic. It has an autistic provision attached to it. The main and only problem with this school? It is a minimum of 30 minutes drive away from our home. I can't drive that because of my EDS and our son will not go by bus or coach, be it private or public. It is so far out of our local area.

 

so... here are my questions... I'm almost certain that I will have a fight on my hands to get our son into the school of choice, it's pretty much a given...and I assume that as the council we live in pays for the statement, they will want him to attend the school in their borough- the one 30 minute direct drive one way- which I can not drive him to, so they will have to provide transport, of which he has a "pathological" fear of and will not willingly submit to taking.... And I know all of the very valid reasons why his needs will be best met at the school local to us that is our choice, not to mention why a school with an autistic provision is also best suited to meet his needs...

 

So... How do I prepare for it? we have had his Statement Review and have named our preference in February/March past I believe it was... so What happens now and how do I prepare...

I have to add that it was a complete and utter shock to find that we don't have the final decision as it were as to where our son goes to school... So this is creating some serious anxiety in me as we have So So few options of schools suitable for him in our area and this one school can and will completely meet his needs as well as allow his potential to shine that he Has to get in... it is such an important time and I don't want him to lose any of his passion for learning because he was placed in the wrong school for him. You know?

I am fully prepared to fight completely and just want to be prepared...

 

any and all ideas and advice is Greatly appreciated...

[Kathryn]

Hi Mortisha,

 

The LA have to finalise the statement by next Feb 15th, naming the secondary school your son will go to. If they don't name the school you want, you can appeal to the SEN Tribunal.

 

I'm assuming your preferred school is also an LA maintained (not independent) school. You have a legal right to express a preference for it, and it may encourage you to know that the onus is on your LA to either grant you your preference, or come up with clear reasons why your son can't go there. The only three legal grounds on which they can refuse are that the school is unsuitable, that his attendance would be incompatible with the education of the other pupils he would be with, or that it would be an inefficient use of resources to send him there. They can't give vague reasons - eg they can't just say that the school has reached its admission limit, they would have to demonstrate that taking another pupil would cause particular problems, e.g. by stretching resources or adversely affecting other pupils in the class, and in the case of "incompatibility" they would have to explain how this would arise and why they could not take any reasonable steps to overcome it, e.g. severe behaviour problems which would disrupt the class even with all the maximum support in place through the Statement.

 

Although the burden of proof is on the LA, it would help you to prepare counterarguments. LA's often argue "inefficient use of resources" if a school is out of county, and it's often transport which is the stumbling block because the out of county school is usually further away. However if it's actually going to cost more to transport him to their own school, (would he need his own taxi and an escort to minimise the stress?) this may work in your favour. Find out yourself what the comparative costs of the two schools would be, including transport, and whether the two LA's have a reciprocal funding arrangement with each other, which means they are more likely to send pupils to each other's schools and recoup the costs, therefore not wasting resources.

 

The LA may use lack of spaces to argue inefficient use of resources or incompatibility. Find out what the admission numbers are and exactly how many pupils they normally take above this, how many staff they have. how much space they have and how the classes are organised. It helps if you have spoken to the Head and Senco and got their personal views on whether they could accommodate your son and what extra resources they might need (show them the statement as it is).

 

The above points are based on the assumption that the two schools are more or less equal in terms of suitability. However it would help boost your case if you can take the in- county school out of the equation by showing that it is unsuitable to his needs. This is difficult if the two schools offer the same kind of autism provision, however if he couldn't travel to the in - county school at all, or the journey would cause so much stress that it would affect his education, and you have evidence for this, that would be a strong argument against it. You may also need to anticipate the scenario where the LA name a completely different local school altogether, so brace yourself for that and prepare your arguments against any other options they might suggest!

 

If you are having an early review next term, as is usual, that would be the time to discuss your preference an also to look at the statement and ensure that it is as detailed as it possibly can be and indicates the need for a school with autism provision. Remember if the LA are against your preference, they must clearly justify their reasons in terms of the law, as I explained above, and only those three reasons apply, so ask them to explain why they have refused and get them to summarise this in writing if you can - it helps to know what you're up against.

 

I hope all goes well and you do get the school you want. You may have to appeal, but stay positive and keep fighting on!

 

K x

Edited July 27, 2011 by Kathryn

[Kazzen161]

Presuming you want your child in the autistic provision/unit and not in the mainstream part, have you asked how many places there are per year and what your chances of getting in are? If your preferred school is in a different LA, then that LA will obviously give priority to children from their own LA, so the chances might be slim (your LA cannot force them to give a place to your child).

[Suze]

My son is dx ASD dyslexia dyspraxia , he had 20 yrs TA at primary school.We applied to a school 30 mins away with an autism resource , we were lucky to get him , in, they only except maybe 2 students a yr and have space for maybe 12 students.Its worth the fight, get on board as many proffessionals as you can to support your cause.As regards the journey my son had a taxi, any change should be implemented slowly, my son met his driver several times before he started school.Fight for what you believe in my son has just left school and has done so well they helped him gain independence and he is now a about to embark on agricultural college, good luck xx

[Grace]

Your LA are obliged to consult with the out-of-county school and the LA for that school. However, if your LA think that the school can meet his needs, his presence there would not be detrimental to the other children, then they can name the school, even if the school/Local LA do not agree. I think this does not happen often, because LA's want to keep good relations with neighbouring LA's, but technically it can and does happen - I think especially if there have been previous tribunals for similar reasons and the Tribunal have ordered the LA to give the child a place and the reasons are relevant to your case. I think they then feel confident over-riding the local LA's objections, because if it went to tribunal, a place would probably be given.

 

I would decide what school you really want and go for that. If you decide you would be happy with the 30 min away school, then you can push for a taxi of his own, with an escort - you would need evidence that this was necessary. You could even offer to be your son's paid/unpaid escort.

If you decide for the out-of-county school, then you might have a fight. To get started though, try and find out about the numbers for this school - anything that you can. Because that is what is is likely to come down to. E.g. how many in the unit spend time in the mainstream and what percentage? How many leaving? How many have they accommodated in the past? Anyone in the unit part-time?

 

Best of luck/x

[mortisha69]

Wow!

I knew I came to the right place with my question!!!

 

thank you SO much for all of the information and advice.. it is truly appreciated!

 

Kathryn, Thank you so much, you have given me a plan to go forward with.. yes, the school are pretty much the same in the provision and support. ( except critically, in the school we prefer, my son would start his day and finish his day in the provision.. in the other school, he would have to start in his year classroom and access the provision as necessary... we prefer the way our chosen school operates as well)....Yes, he would have to go in a taxi with an escort... but the main problem is the escort- there is no one currently available to do it and he would Need it until he was "used to" the journey and you know how long that can take... He could not take a bus, coach or minivan. he would literally refuse to get on it as it stands. our chosen school can accept ( i think) 3 new students a year but last year accepted 6. ( not 100% certain of the numbers)

They have met us and our son and we've had a long discussion with the SENCo and there is no doubt that the school would be able to meet our sons needs. They have already expressed this.

we also have a statement from the closest local secondary, where our eldest already attends, stating that they would not be able to fully meet our youngest son's needs and they are a superb school with a very good SEN department- just not equip to deal with the more challenging parts of ASC. ( specifically nothing in place during lunchtimes and breaks, and no plan of action to deal with our son when he refuses to do work because of anxiety).. we asked for a letter after our discussion with them about the school. we really don't want our youngest to go there as well because we really want to give our eldest the space of not having his brother at the same school, as they attended the same nursery, infant and juniors... I'm sure i can get similar letters from our other local mainstream secondary schools, especially as i know they will not be suitable, because if the one our eldest goes to is not suitable, then there is no way the other local schools will even be close.

But thank you for telling me to look into the comparative travel expenses of both schools and what , if any agreement for travel is made between them. I definitely will look into that further. As well as the intake numbers from last year from our chosen school... Thanks So much again!

 

Kazan, thanks, yes we want our son in the provision initially as an aid to his transition, but full access to the mainstream and be able to utilize it as he can, increasing his time in the mainstream part... this is another reason why we want him to go to our chosen school with the provision vs the one in the council area that we live. our chosen school is literally 15-20 minutes away and close to where we work, his play group is in the area as well as friends. it's our neighborhood, as it were... the school in the council area we happen to live, is over 30-40 minutes away and completely far out of our neighborhood.

not to mention the provision is run a little differently to the one we prefer. I have also been told that the council can not refuse to consider a school because it is outside their area and that a school can not refuse a place to a child outside their borough if they have the space and their needs would be best met at that school. Apparently if there are 2 children, one from outside the borough with greater need and one inside the borough with "lesser" need, the LA and schools have to take the child with more need. Apparently they have to chose the child by need, not by where they live. I would assume it would be illegal to do so. I don't know for sure...

 

Suze, thanks for that! it's soooo good to hear a success story!! but as far as the journey to the school in the borough and not our preferred school... I am hoping the council/LA will see the common sense in not sending him on a 40 minutes journey every morning, with the immense stress that will cause vs sending him to a local school that for the first few years until he gains more independence, we can drive him to and pick him up from.... I'm not just talking a little anxiety or even a meltdown, I'm talking post traumatic stress disorder leading to agoraphobia and OCD. He's 10 and it's only now he can tolerate being on the bus or coach, but only with someone he knows very well. he only now goes on the Tube with me or his dad only and only for a short period of time. So, as it is, he's facing a huge change in transitioning to a new school- all new people, staff, teachers, students and all that brings, plus going to "high school"- he knows it will be "harder" without us saying a word about it... so to have him face the huge challenge of then traveling, not with us ( as my husband and I both work locally) and for the distance it is, I see as unnecessary stress and anxiety placed on him. Especially when there is a school that suits him, us, meets his needs completely, will allow his potential to shine through, we like it, he loves it and it's "right on our doorstep"- ie. our local neighborhood...

so i am prepared for a fight....

 

thank you soo soo much everyone again.. i really do so appreciate it very much

[Karen A]

Hi.

I thought I would say hello.

I have Ben who is in mainstream secondary in East London and is 13 [going into year 9 in September].Ben has AS and dyspraxia.Our elder son is going into year 11 after the holidays.

 

We are very fortunate that the school has an upper and lower school.This has enabled our elder son to have some space.

Ben has had input from travel trainers.However the only route they could come up with involved a bus,tube and walk.This is the central line going towards central London in rush hour which my husband hates.

Our elder son gets up at 0630 in order to get on a bus that he can cope because later buses are so crowded.

 

Fortunately I do not work and so can take Ben to school in the car.He can't manage on the bus or tube because he would get too anxious.

 

We are still having good and bad days but Ben does enjoy lots of things about secondary.

I am still in the position of feeling that he does very well to cope in a mainstream secondary school and to be coping accademically despite lots of sensory issues.Even now he is exhausted by the time he gets home.If we pushed regarding independent travel I think Ben would not cope with the length of school day.

 

As it is I get up at 0630 in order to get him to school in time and still don't always make it.

A predictable routine and TFL do not sit well alongside each other in any case.

 

I thought it might help to know others have negotiated a way through transition in London. <'> <'>

 

Karen.

Edited July 29, 2011 by Karen A

[mortisha69]

Hi.

I thought I would say hello.

I have Ben who is in mainstream secondary in East London and is 13 [going into year 9 in September].Ben has AS and dyspraxia.Our elder son is going into year 11 after the holidays.

 

We are very fortunate that the school has an upper and lower school.This has enabled our elder son to have some space.

Ben has had input from travel trainers.However the only route they could come up with involved a bus,tube and walk.This is the central line going towards central London in rush hour which my husband hates.

Our elder son gets up at 0630 in order to get on a bus that he can cope because later buses are so crowded.

 

Fortunately I do not work and so can take Ben to school in the car.He can't manage on the bus or tube because he would get too anxious.

 

We are still having good and bad days but Ben does enjoy lots of things about secondary.

I am still in the position of feeling that he does very well to cope in a mainstream secondary school and to be coping accademically despite lots of sensory issues.Even now he is exhausted by the time he gets home.If we pushed regarding independent travel I think Ben would not cope with the length of school day.

 

As it is I get up at 0630 in order to get him to school in time and still don't always make it.

A predictable routine and TFL do not sit well alongside each other in any case.

 

I thought it might help to know others have negotiated a way through transition in London. <'> <'>

 

Karen.

 

Thanks Karen, a positive story is always good to hear!!!

[mortisha69]

Your LA are obliged to consult with the out-of-county school and the LA for that school. However, if your LA think that the school can meet his needs, his presence there would not be detrimental to the other children, then they can name the school, even if the school/Local LA do not agree. I think this does not happen often, because LA's want to keep good relations with neighbouring LA's, but technically it can and does happen - I think especially if there have been previous tribunals for similar reasons and the Tribunal have ordered the LA to give the child a place and the reasons are relevant to your case. I think they then feel confident over-riding the local LA's objections, because if it went to tribunal, a place would probably be given.

 

I would decide what school you really want and go for that. If you decide you would be happy with the 30 min away school, then you can push for a taxi of his own, with an escort - you would need evidence that this was necessary. You could even offer to be your son's paid/unpaid escort.

If you decide for the out-of-county school, then you might have a fight. To get started though, try and find out about the numbers for this school - anything that you can. Because that is what is is likely to come down to. E.g. how many in the unit spend time in the mainstream and what percentage? How many leaving? How many have they accommodated in the past? Anyone in the unit part-time?

 

Best of luck/x

 

Thanks Grace, it's the out of county school we are going for...it's actually the best for our son not to mention the closest to our house...

Thanks also for all the advice as to what info to gather...

[Grace]

Hi,

 

If you have the GP or Paed/CAMHS involved with his severe anxiety re transport, it would be worth asking them for a letter of support for the school of choice, as he would be in no fit state to benefit from his education, if he had to travel to the other school.

 

Best Wishes

 

Grace

[mortisha69]

Hi,

 

If you have the GP or Paed/CAMHS involved with his severe anxiety re transport, it would be worth asking them for a letter of support for the school of choice, as he would be in no fit state to benefit from his education, if he had to travel to the other school.

 

Best Wishes

 

Grace

 

Great idea Grace, Thanks.. will do just that!