Is it worth pursuing a refusal to assess for my autistic son's EHCP application

Obvious reasons why it might not be granted is that he is achieving well academically in school, good attendance and no behavioural concerns. However, he has to wear a significantly adapted uniform which takes a significant emotional toil on him to wear. He would be a school refuser were there to be a small shift in circumstances for example my husband works in the school and this may not always be the case, certainly not in secondary school and his current school have indicated that they may change the policy on his adapted uniform. We are considering getting an educational pscyhologist report (privately funded) now, would this be valuable and worth the investment for this process or to support ongoing adjustments during his remaining educational years. He is in a private school currently so we have also thought about requesting an EHCP (no funding) route. There is no local authority involvement in his care currently but he is likely to move into the state sector in secondary school. He is in year 5.

Can the LA refuse to consult an Independent mainstream

My LA is refusing to consult a mainstream secondary independent unless I agree to pay the school fees, and they will pay any top up from the EHCP (very little support needed at the moment) my child is mainly SEMH does not want sen in a mainstream but wants to go to a small class size mainstream (independent) LA is refusing, I will appeal but is it lawful to refuse to consult the school? they seem to be using a loop hole by re stating they are not refusing to consult, they will consult if I agree to pay the fees is this lawful?

Can a council move an EHCP (to a 'receiving authority') while the EHCP is going through appeal?

This is a complex situation explained to me by one of our members. The mother, while resident in Camden, applied for an EHCP and requested 3 secondary schools to consider her child (early 2025). The EHCP was so inaccurate (and included out of date information) that she believes this caused all 3 schools to say they can't meet need. She then appealed to have the EHCP updated but the appeal has been pushed back over and over again.

In the mean time, the parents divorced/separated. The Dad remains resident in Camden but due to cost of living, the Mother (around 18 months ago) moved to Hertfordshire, temporarily. The child was fully resident in Camden when the original EHCP application was made (and attended Primary school in borough). The child had to start secondary school (sept 2025) in Hertfordshire.

The EHCP appeal is ongoing. The Mother wants the outcome of appeal to name one of the 3 schools in Camden, then she can move back in Borough (can't move now as has to get child to school each day in Herts). Camden have just sent a letter asking for proof of residence in Camden by 10 April. If they don't get proof of residence they will pass the EHCP onto 'the receiving authority'. Is this allowed? (Note: Mother is a fire fighter, does this give her any special consideration as a key worker?) Thank you so much to anyone who can advise.

Can my son take Functional Skills for Maths and English instead of GCSEs?

This is at a mainstream school with ARP (which covers Maths and English). He has an EHCP and school think he will struggle even with the Functional Skills, but they say as a mainstream school they cannot let him only do the FS, he has to do the GCSEs in both subjects as well.

Can the LA change the funding without informing me?

There is a note on my child EHCP about the funding band that the school receives. After the last annual review, it was increased to M5.
But when the plan was reissued to include the secondary school they will attend in September, the funding code is back down to M4.
Nobody mentioned this to us, and we don't know what the secondary school has seen in terms of budget available to support her.
We have asked the coordinator if it was an error and they have been investigating for 5 weeks now.

It would be useful to know where we stand - is the LA allowed to reduce the funding without the plan changing otherwise?

08.15 Does section F have to specify things like how much provision a child or young person requires, and how often?

08.13 Is there a particular rule about when a child requires out of hours SEP?

08.03 Can learning life skills be SEP?

08.03 Can a maintained school or FEI/LA be obliged to fund health care provision under an IDP?

07.03 Can health or social care needs be special educational needs?