Probably the best piece I have ever read on this subject. We didn’t have the same sliding doors moment (my daughter’s regression lasted many months) but I recognise so much in your article. Wishing you strength (you will need it). Your nanny sounds tremendous

I doubt outcomes are better in Scotland. One point of difference is that there is no EHCP. We have coordinated support plans (CSPs) but they are rare and toothless so less is money spent in defending the poor provision in tribunals

“Improvements have been made at the home, and there have been much less incidents reported recently….” Wow. This is hardly reassuring.

It fails all the children, including so-called edge-cases like my daughter. It’s naïve for legislators to imagine that without EHCPs that LAs will cease to prioritise balancing their budgets over the needs of individual children

This has happened in Scotland (CSP not EHCP). Councils then argue that since the child is at special school, all needs are met and the CSP is closed. They can then withdraw support. Despite v. complex needs (Rett Syndrome) interventions written in CSP, eg physio, SLT, were withdrawn from my child

And, honestly, it makes such a massive difference to the whole experience. It is so rare to watch a show without the stress of negotiating an unsuitable building and poorly trained staff beforehand