My 7 year old son is diagnosed with ASD and ARFID. He has been out of full time education for 2 years. He has spent time in hospital due to Autistic burnout and liquid and food refusal due to his needs not being met in school. 
We have waited 15 months for an EHCP, something that legally should be 20 weeks! We were refused an assessment, refused his plan being issued and now he’s been declined a specialist placement after going to panel twice! His current mainstream have already advised they cannot meet need, however they have now been named in his EHCP. 
These leaves us having to appeal and go to Tribunal. This will be a lengthy and expensive process in order to get him in a school that can meet his needs and allow him to thrive.  
Due to the long wait for Tribunal, it will be more than likely at least a year wait. This means my son will have missed 3 years of his education. An education that he is legally entitled to. 
Locally in Plymouth, there are many families that are going through similar challenges and being failed by Plymouth City Council. 
I would like to collect signatures from anyone that is being failed currently, has been failed previously and those who have family/friends that have been affected by the failings of Plymouth City Council. 
Our children and young people are entitled to and deserve an education that meets their needs. We shouldn’t have to wait over the legal timeframe for  their EHCPs. We shouldn’t be fighting every step of the way. As a parent of a child with SEN and health needs, we are already spending lots of time at various appointments, emailing various professionals, applying for help and support. We don’t have the time to battle and fight for their education. Unfortunately, in Plymouth, many of us are. 
Children and young people in Plymouth should have equal opportunity to access an education that is right for them within the legal timeframe. 
Please sign and share, so this can be presented to those in Plymouth City Council that can be made accountable for the failings of so many children and young people in Plymouth.