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Admissions and Exclusions case studies

Daniel

Daniel, aged eleven, has autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and moderate to severe learning difficulties. He is an endearing and motivated young man, who is eager to please. His parents were pleased with his progress during primary education as he attended a school that had specific provision for children with ASD.

However, when he was due to attend secondary education the local education authority placed him in a school that only had general provision for children with moderate learning difficulties and not the specialist provision needed for children with ASD. Daniel's parents were worried and concerned that placement at this school would halt the progress Daniel had been making and may even result in a regression.

Daniel's parents asked us to provide them with assistance in appeal their son's placement.

We obtained an independent speech and language therapy and an independent educational psychologist assessment for Daniel. Both concluded that Daniel required special educational setting that could offer ASD provision.

Following the reports we liaise with the Local Education Authority and managed to reach agreement without the need to go to a Tribunal and Daniel was placed at a much more suitable school for his needs. Daniel was extremely happy about this and is doing well at his new school.

Joshua

Joshua, aged eleven, has ADHD, oppositional defiance disorder, anxiety disorder and dyslexia. Joshua's mother has experienced many difficulties in relation to his education and refusal to attend school.

Joshua's mother contacted us when he was out of full time education and rapidly falling behind his peers academically, specifically in literacy. She had completed extensive research into alternative schools and believed Joshua would benefit from the consistency and continuity that could only be provided in a residential setting.

We instructed an independent speech and language therapist and an independent educational psychologist to assess Joshua. Following the assessments it was concluded that the mainstream schooling currently being offered by the Local Education Authority was not suitable for Joshua and that a specialist provision was required with a high degree of 1:1 support.

After considerable negotiations between ourselves and the LEA, they conceded that mainstream schooling would not be appropriate for Joshua but that it had no suitable school to propose within the authority's area. A school further afield had been identified by Joshua's mother and on this basis a place at this school was sought for him. Following an assessment the school felt that Joshua would require additional 1:1 support for 16 hours per day, including at weekends. The LEA agreed to provide this support and to make other requested amendments to Joshua's Statement of Special Educational Needs.

Joshua said that he is now looking forward to attending school for the first time.

To find out more about our School Admissions and Exclusions services, please contact us.