chris54

Dream

Hi "Nights out" . A long distant memory. I think I could count on one hand the number of "NIGHTS OUT" on our own we have had in the last 8 years. From a few months old he would just scream continuously if left with anyone but us. Our work would mean that we would on occasions both be out at the same time and my sister would baby sit but we would get back asap as we new she would be worn out looking after him. And then when my stepdaughter got old enough we would leave them playing and sneak out of the house with out him realizing, and hopefully get back with him no the wiser. But she has moved away now so.. Like most of you, the only time I get off is when he is at school and I'm working. (my wife, him mother, has a mild disability so I am his main carer). Yep, Nights out, I look forward to them one day, maybe at the Darby and Jones club.

School

Hi Steve As far as experience/ qualifications are concerned I would agree with the others. The other point, that is a hard one, one would hope that the Head and SENCO have thought long and hard about this. I would not think it was a good idea to have a TA and their daughter in the same class. And definitely not the situation you describe. This may work with an older child (TA's daughter) who would understand the situation but I cant see it working that well with this age group. The TA is supposed to be giving 100% of their time and focus to the supported child and no other. If mum and daughter are in the same classroom, well we all know what will happen. Good luck with this one. Chris.

Fair

"A" has never been to the Cinema I know he would not cope, even at home he will turn the volume on the telly down and don't sit still for more that 5 minutes at a time. Last time I went to the cinema, about 5 years ago, I left with my ears ringing, I just do not know why it is felt that the volume has to be so loud. I have spoken to cinema staff about this and they just say that that is the way it is, and think I'm a bit odd for asking. Apparently they cant turn the volume down?? Does anyone know of other cinemas that are doing this ? Special showings. I would go even if "A" didn't want to.

KNOT

A child will go on to SA+ if it is felt that they are not making satisfactory progress under SA. This is in consultation with the parents. With School Action Plus the SENCO will call in outside specialist help dependant on the child's needs.

Hi Sounds a bit like my son. We are in the proses of sorting out what support he can get in school. At his new school (we moved to a new council area) his teacher, the SENCO and the Head are all keen to get a statement. Even so It will be about 5 more weeks before the next meeting when hopefully things will move forward. In the area we lived before it was something like 4 month between each step, and it would take 4 or 5 weeks for someone to write up a report, and so on and so no. In comparison things here move quickly, but it still seems to take for ever. We are lucky, if that is the right way to put it, as at the school they admit that he needs more help that they can give him under SA+. They are already doing more than is SA+ required of them. His teacher is frustrated as she can see that he is not able to work to his full potential, amongst other things he needs someone to keep him focused, even the other kids in his class realise this and will remind him what he is supposed to be doing. At the new school the other kids seem to want include him which gives us a bit of peace of mind. Al I can say is see what the SENCO at the school says and take it from there.

I know exactly where the file will be. It will be on someones desk under a pile of other file. Iv had the same sort of thing and until someone at the top tells the underlings to pull the finger out nothing gets done about said missing paper work.

Holiday

Hi If I want to make a complaint to any organisation, I nearly always put the complaint in writing and address it to head of customer complaints and keep a copy of the letter I send. That way you can carefully consider what it is you want to say and not be put off with all their spiel. I get someone to read through the letter to make sure it makes sense and says what I want it to. I have in the past even sent letters by recorded delivery with a return card for them to send to me acknowledging recite of the letter. That tends to get someones attention. Can't really help on your main point. Chris.

Sleep

Dark

Yes they do know how horrible it is to complain. That is what they bank on, that you wont complain.

I suspect the 3 day thing is to do with sick pay. For the first 3 day the LSA would be on full pay out of the school budget. I suspect the school dose not want to be paying out 2 lots of pay. But as they are getting the money and are contracted by to council to provide the support, that is what they should do.

Hi The name thing, I cant ever remember names, One of the first things I will say to someone new is that, that they must forgive me if I need reminding of their name from time to time. You can always say something along the lines of, "You remind my so much of someone I used to know that I have you muddled up with them" and use that as an excuse for forgetting. Next time you speak to the neighbors introduce yourself, "I don't Know If I said but I'm ..." that will prompt them to tell you their name. I write down people's names when told , "No.7 John& Mary No.14 Fred & Joan." that sort of thing. And you could always ask the People at "No.7" the names of the people at "No14" and vice versa. "What is a Friend" I wish I knew. You get to know people on all different levels. You may have a friend that you never speak to, just a nod across the road. The neighbours you chat to over the garden fences. Then there are friends who would do anything for you. And the friend that you trust with your life. And everything in between. This friendship thing is no easy. I wont do what prince Charles did and admit to not knowing what Love is ( the Misses is in the room). Best of luck. Chris.

There is nothing to stop the school bringing in a LSA from outside the school. There are agency's that can supply bank staff when required. I know I used to work for one.

Mile

Hi I would say also send a copy of any letters to the school Governors as they are ultimately responsible for all that goes on in the school.

Foot

Needle

Hi I didn't say that dolls are great. I used to be a childminder and to save money used to made the clothes for the dolls myself, much to my wife's amusement I would dress the dolls in different outfits each day. No, I don't see an age limit to playing with dolls (or gender come to that),(that's what OFSTED tell us CM).

Screw

Hi As I understand the LSA is emplyed by the school and therefore it is the schools responsabilaty to make sure that cover is provided.