bid

Hi LKU My son is 15 and started at a special residential school for AS in November. It has been fantastic and he loves it. He is exceptionally bright, and for the first time he is actually able to fulfil his potential But, this isn't an LEA local special school. It's an independent special school out of county that the LEA part funds with SS. I think most local LEA special schools are MLD or SLD. Have you thought about investigating independent special schools for AS and associated special needs...there are quite a lot of them out there, some day and some residential/day. The Gabbittas website has many to look at, and their Handbook lists all(?) special schools in the UK, both LEA and independent. Good luck! Bid

I think it's only if your child has a Statement. Bid

Well done Annie and Alex But so very sorry that you've had to go through such a terrible time <'> I do hope Alex's educational provision is sorted out properly very soon. Bid

Go Simon! You're on your way! Excellent news! Bidx

<'> LKU <'> I'm so sorry things are being made so dificult for you at the moment. Bidx

Hi I'm so sorry things aren't working out. I don't have any practical advice, as Auriel loved his home tutors and was quite upset at leaving them to go away to school But, you could use this in your extra evidence for the Stat Ass, as it graphically shows that your daughter needs AS specific support in a specialist environment. Good luck! Bidx

Well, same LEA and we were never invited to anything like this!! Have fun! Bid

Well, finally home from Auriel's Review! I'm sooo proud He has done so well, and the school are sooo pleased with him The Deputy Principal said he will be an excellent role model for the younger pupils when he is a Senior next year!! They said he is a pleasure to have in the school!! And, after all my panics the only people to turn up were me and Auriel's father! No one from the LEA or SS came! Thanks for all your support anyway Bid

Ta!! Bidx

Thanks! I've just discovered there's lots about Reviews in my trusty ACE Handbook...off for a good read! Bid

Sorry, more questions! The provision in my son's Statement isn't quantified. It probably isn't possible to quantify the majority of it, because it basically describes a 24 hour AS specific placement, and all that entails. The only more specific provision is for Social Skills. This is not quantified, but from his timetable I know how many hours per week this happens in a 'formal' way, plus it is ongoing in the out of school activities. Plus, he has OT once a week, which isn't even in his Statement. So...should I ask again to have the Social Skills quantified, and should I ask for the OT to be added to his Statement?? Can I do this at the Review? Phew! Thanks in advance! Bid

Help! As my son has not had a Statement before, I don't even know what a normal review is like! Could someone please describe what happens? Will the LEA be trying to reduce his support?? Thanks, Bid

Hi On Wednesday I'm going down to Auriel's new school for his Initial Review as he has been there for 3 months. What happens at an Initial Review? And should I be wary of any LEA scullduggery?! Bid

Carole, You must keep us updated on this one! Restraint does sometimes need to be used, but the usual guidelines are extremely clear that it is only used to ensure the safety of the child or others. The absolute minimum restraint technique should be used by trained staff, for the absolute minimum length of time. I can't begin to see how this 'policy' follows any of these guidelines I'm guessing the 'thinking' behind this is that some children can make themselves sick or spit as part of challenging behaviour...but I'm still speechless that this should be considered a suitable approach. If it was my child I would not only be contacting national papers, I would also be taking legal advice Bid

I have to say that while my PP rep. was a very nice lady, she told me back in May that there really wasn't any point going for a Stat Ass because at nearly 15 my son would never get a Statement! If it hadn't been for this wonderful site I would probably have accepted her opinion. But I didn't, and 6 months later not only did my son have a Statement, he was in a special residential school for AS!! It scares me that if I hadn't been told about this site by Simon Mossgrove who found me lurking on an American site, who knows what would have happened. So, sadly, I have a dim view of PP Bid

Excellent news! Well done...it feels great when you take back control of your own child, doesnt it, and go with what you know he needs! Bid

So sorry to hear this <'> Bidx

I'm pretty sure I read that although this was the case, it has changed so that parents can now appeal if the school requests the Stat Ass. Bid

YES!!!!! Bidxx

Oh Loulou <'> I'm so sorry things didn't go well today. If it were me, I would be extremely wary of sending a child with AS to an EBD school. As I understand things, it could well make things worse. I also think that if your son is so against this school you need to listen to him. When we were looking at residential schools for my son, he took an instant dislike to the photo of one school, saying he hated the look of the building. All I can say is that our LEA officer who has a lot of experience, said that if he felt like that then there was no point pushing him to visit. Have you thought of a specialist AS school? There certainly shouldn't be any 'breaking wild horses' involved in AS specific placements. So sorry again, but remember that you are doing a great job because you are obviously very sensitive to your son <'> Bidx I have PM'd some info that may be useful <'>

Good luck tomorrow Loulou <'> Bidx

Good luck with everything next week! <'> Bidx

Danny <'> I can't offer any advice, I'm afraid, just sympathy and support. You are not alone <'> Bid

So sorry, desperate <'> Is your son's school just for ASD? It doesn't sound as though the incident was handled in the most appropriate way Bid

Well done, Rabbit! So glad to hear things are moving Bidx