Q:

Does anyone have experience of an EHCP providing funding for a private OT working in partnership with local state school?

My son is autistic and at a mainstream secondary school. He sees a private OT on a regular basis. He has developed a really good relationship with her and she is really helping him. We are looking into applying for an EHCP but wondering whether this would facilitate the OT working in partnership with the school, not on a daily basis just setting up regular meetings to ensure his needs are met. We really don't want to swap to another OT, that would really upset him and undo progress.

EHCP Occupational Therapy (OT) school support EHCP funding
Helen Barff

Helen Barff
02 Jul 2023

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A: SenseCheck

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  • 07 Jul 2023

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    Simple

    Can't answer yes or no.:

    First and foremost, I want to express my keen interest in reading any valuable contributions from others on this matter.

    Allow me to suggest that obtaining an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCp) for your son should be a top priority, if indeed it is necessary in his case. To assist you in this process, I highly recommend referring to the EHCp Road Map, which offers excellent guidance. You can access it through the following link: (https://xd.adobe.com/view/d2f8cd3e-2d6c-4099-afa5-db66b0f7eb79-87ab/?fullscreen&hints=off)

    Regarding your suggestion of an Occupational Therapist (OT) visiting the school, I see no reason why this cannot be arranged even without an EHCp albeit it is likely you would have to  fund the school visits if the School were not willing to do so. However, it would require approval from the Headteacher or someone with delegated authority within the school. 

    It is worth noting that with an EHCp in place, such an arrangement is possible. The LA may agree to use your preferred OT and fund them - which does happen. Alternatively, they could agree to give you direct payments so you could do this yourself. The Noddy Guide gives a definition of direct payments. The following gives a link which will allow you to download the Noddy Guide:

    Can I download the Noddy 'No-nonsense' Guide as a pdf?

     

    Sean Kennedy

    Sean Kennedy
    Talem Law

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