Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You will have an EHC plan co-ordinator who can help you. If you do not know who it is please call Southwark’s SEN Team on 0207 525 4278, alternatively, you can email them: sen@southwark.gov.uk.
The SIAS Team can also advise. You can contact this team by calling 0207 525 3104, by emailing sias@southwark.gov.uk or attending a drop in.
You will need to submit a request for an EHC needs assessment to the Southwark SEN Department. You can find information about how to do this here.
The SIAS Team can also provide advice and support with requesting an EHC needs assessment. You can contact this team by calling 0207 525 3104, by emailing sias@southwark.gov.uk or attending a drop in.
There is an expectation that children and young people attend their local mainstream school if this is what they wish. You should apply in the usual way. Mainstream Schools are very experienced in meeting the needs of young people and children with special educational needs.
Once on roll if the school/setting feel that the child/young persons needs are such that they will need extra help and support to be able to access the school curriculum, the school can request specialist help from other services (e.g. Educational Psychology Service) or you or the school may request that the Council carry out an EHC assessment.
It is unlawful for a school to refuse admission to a child who has SEN, but has no EHCP:
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on the grounds of the child’s challenging behaviour (except in very limited circumstances); or
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because it believes the child requires EHC needs assessment or requires additional support.
If you need further advice regarding this, you can contact the SIAS Team by calling 0207 525 3104, by emailing sias@southwark.gov.uk or attending a drop in.
The decision letter will tell you why the LA decided it is not necessary for the EHC assessment to be carried out. The decision letter will inform you of your right to appeal against the decision to the SEND Tribunal or request Mediation.
The SIAS Team can offer support and advice with this process. You can contact this team by calling 0207 525 3104, by emailing sias@southwark.gov.uk or attending a drop in.
Click here to find out more information about the appeal process.
You may want to consider requesting an EHC re-assessment if you believe that:
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the needs of the child or young person have changed since the last EHC plan was issued; or
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the provision under Section F needs to be increased or changed; or
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the child or young person should attend a different kind of school or college.