Hello! I delayed my child’s start. She’s a summer baby - sounds a lot like your little one, but a year older.
My child has an EHCP. It sounds ludicrous that they are suggesting that mainstream is suitable. Definitely push hard for the specialist attached provision. My child will start at a similar provision in September this year.
I don’t know if the ehcp will cover nursery fees. My child attends a school nursery. There’s a small top up for the lunch hour and I pay that. I couldn’t face arguing the toss to be honest. You could try asking but they are v likely to say no as it will cost them money….
Have you applied for DLA? If not, then do!
Absolutely stick to your guns on the provision type. They are being difficult because there’s been a huge spike in SEN and money and places are in short supply. They will happily dump your child anywhere that’s the cheapest option. I know I’m sounding mean and cynical but experience has made me that way.
Something to bear in mind…they may try to say that if your child repeats nursery, he will have to go straight into year 1. They are more likely to say that if it’s specialist provision. If they agree a Sept 2025 start in reception- get it in writing. If they say he will need to go into year 1, then complain. There are fabulous Facebook groups who can support with this and indeed I’d be very happy to share my letter with you (I’m rather proud of it) so that you can copy whatever you want from it.
Also, I wouldn’t necessarily be in a hurry to accept 1-1 in mainstream. I’d be concerned that they’d struggle to recruit and you’ll get someone with little experience of ASD.
Sorry that probably wasn’t very helpful, but best of luck.