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We were issued an EHCP over the summer for my 7 yr old daughter which left out SALT and OT input, even though we supplied very detailed private ...
... assessments in both these areas - these are the two largest areas of need. The LA told us they would update the EHCP when the NHS OT/SALT had seen our daughter. As the time was running out for mediation or appeal to be triggered and we still had an EHCP that was not fit for purpose, we initiated mediation. Mediation is now December, the OT and SALT reports have just been done. Yesterday, through the mediator, the LA sent the NHS OT and SALT reports with a word version of the current EHCP, and asked us to mark up what changes we want. Are parents really expected to write the EHCP's with no qualifications, having no idea of what a good EHCP should look like? I'd like to know what should happen in the process, and what's the most practical thing for us to do now - if the best shot at getting what we need is to go back and pay a private EP to review and make changes, then I'll have to take it, but seems unbelievably unfair. Doubt they will do it in time of our December mediation date, in which case we will have to move the mediation date. Any advice would be really appreciated! Thank you.
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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.
Helen Barff
02 Jul 2023