Has anyone sucessfully managed to get an Independent school named on their Statement?

[Candlewax]

Hello all.

I am just starting the Statement process again after a three year gap - we were turned down last time. I have identified an AS specific Independent school that would be brilliant for my ds. Currently he has been out of school 9 weeks and has been dx with clinical depression and high anxiety. He also has a prescription for sleeping tablets now. We are under CAMHS currently because he just cannot cope with mainstream.

I need some advice as to the best way to go about all this and hoped that I would get some encouragement to "go for it" if some of you have successfully managed to get your LO's into the school of your choice, even if you had to fight tooth and nail to get there.

[mimsum]

yes we did, although we're paying the fees, ds just gets the statement money he'd have got if he were going to mainstream

we were told we wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting our local authority to pay full fees, which probably isn't the answer you want ...

[mimsum]

sorry, mean state instead of mainstream

[isgrassgreener]

Candlewax - my DS goes to a private specialist school and there are some children there who are funded by a statement.
I know of one parent who is using a lawyer to try and get her child a statement and this lawyer has managed to get full statements for pupils at my DS school. His legal fees are really expensive, but not as expensive as a years school fees, so it pays off in the long run.
Unfortunately, we don't have a statement and just pay the fees.

[flyingmum]

Hi. Yes we have. You have to fight tooth and nail. The lea will do ANYTHING rather than pay for an independent school and as parents wanting independent provision the statutary guidance states that it is up to YOU to prove that the LEA provision is not meeting your child's education needs.
Things you need to know:

1. It will cost you money. You will have to pay to get independent ed psych, ot, salt, (whatever is relevant) reports. If the independent school is very expensive then at the tribunal the LEA may well put up a barrister and to be honest you will have to do that too.
2. You need to research thoroughly the alternative provision the LEA suggest and go through it with a toothcomb providing proof that it does not meet your son's needs.
3. Some people pay for a solicitor to handle everything - this costs mega bucks. BUT you can do it your self or with the self of an advocate. Contact SOS!SEN for advice and IPSEA. I also have the name of someone who I used as an advocate - I paid but only a small amount and I couldn't have done it without her. If you want to email me: [email protected] then I can give you details.
4. It all depends to an extent on which LEA you are in. Some are better than others and give more provision than others.
5. What type of support will you get from your son's previous school? Would they support you (essentially by saying they couldn't cope)? Was it independent or state?

It is a minefield but it is doable. SOS!SEN run courses for parents on how to do this process but beware - you might get bogged down by legal jargon so don't be put off.

Contact me if you need to. Sorry this sounds scary but I was completely naive but we still won!.

[Candlewax]

flyingmum, I have only just noticed your post! I have emailed you tonight.

[mccreadymum]

I can highly recommend ringing or emailing the charity SOS SEN, who have just helped a friend of mine go through tribunal and win a £50k a year private autistic school Marion Strudwick at SOS SEN is a real fighter and knows all the tricks of the trade. They are based in Hampton, Surrey and phone number is 0208 979 8853. Good luck!

[Candlewax]

I emailed SOS SEN and have had a response already! I am going to be speaking with them on the telephone tomorrow afternoon.

[mccreadymum]

fantastic candlewax!