Kathryn

Good luck for the meeting Kez. K x

Good luck! If you have time, have a look at IPSEA's reusal to Assess self help pack. Although it's designed for parents who are just starting out on the process, it will help to focus you on the key arguments and the legal issues. Let us know how it goes. A suit isn't necessary - may even work against you! The more you look like an ordinary stressed out but caring family person the better, in my opinion. K x

Congratulations Justine! K x

Hi Pookie/Koalagirl Can't believe your little one is that age already! Glad things are going well for you. Not so bad here: am working full time so life is busy. My daughter is now at University and has her ups and downs but is doing very well. If you want to be Pookie again maybe Lufty can sort it out for you? K x

That's brilliant, Sally. Especially the last bit. K x

Happy birthday for yesterday! Hope you had a good day and not too much of a headache today! K x

Hi peaches Short fixed term exclusions cannot be overturned anyway, but you do have the right to put your views to the governing body, in writing and to ask for a meeting. So you can make the point strongly that you feel the exclusions have happened because of R's SEN not being appropriately met and you would like to discuss with the school, and any other relevant professionals, what further support can be given, or adjustments made, to avoid future incidents. For this kind of exclusion, the only appeal you can make to SENDIST is regarding disability discrimination. It's up to you. AS it will take 4-5 months for a claim to be heard, could well put the school on the defensive, and you will get at the most an apology an possibly a review of the school's policy and procedures if they are found to be at fault, it may not be worth the effort. Possibly better o focus your energies on trying to work with the school to change what they are doing. As Sally has said, this could be a good time to push for a move to the next stage of SEN support, depending on what R is on now. K x

Hope you got there ok and that it went well . Let us know. K x

I agree with all the comments made. If she's not caring for you (and that could include emotional as well as physical support) she's not entitled to carer's allowance. As a taxpayer I'm happy to contribute part of my hard earned salary for the wider benefit of society - as long as those benefiting are genuinely entitled to it. It does not sound, from what you say, as though your mum is any worse off financially just because you have come to live with her. If she is in genuine need you could offer to help find out if there are any other benefits she could legitimately claim? As Tally said, you are signing to confirm that she is providing the care. If you make a false statement, you could be in trouble yourself. Tricky diplomatic situation. K x

"Passed my PhD" she casually says... Welcome back Dr Mumble And you even found time to open your own restaurant as well. K x

Agree with Mandapanda. At the age of 12 iillness and symptoms are not something you should be worrying about- get on with your life, throw your energies into something more positive and let your parents do the worrying instead. K x

Agree with Mandapanda. Families don't normally get paid: when it's a school exchange. it's a reciprocal arrangement. My son went to Germany last year and stayed with a family: in April his German exchange partner will come to us. I've taught French pupils who have come to the UK on short courses - these were arranged through a private agencies which recruit and pay people to host students. Maybe this is what your boss was talking about. K x

Hi Amanda and welcome I have a 14 year old son too, although he's not the reason I'm here, my older daughter was diagnosed with AS. Whatever your problem, let us know, we're here to listen. Hope you enjoy browsing the forum. K x

Glad to hear your son is moving on and the diagnosis has had a positive effect, just shows it's never too late. I can understand you feeling angry- I feel the same about my daughter's relatively late diagnosis at 15. K x

Hi Sylvm, I know you've been around a while and posted before about your daughter - so sorry to hear the problems are ongoing. A statement is not the magic answer to everything, alas, especially for a child of 15 with this level of severe anxiety. Let's be realistic: it takes 26 weeks anyway, and that's without potentially 3 appeals before you finally get the right school placement. You could be in for a long haul.But pushing for a statutory assessment may get something moving at least, and get her problems taken more seriously. In the meantime a reduction in her timetable may be the answer, especially if she suffers such extreme physical reactions to stress. It's not the end of the world if she doesn't complete her GCSE's at the same time as her peers. Sounds like your GP is a bit useless. Can you change? You do get "anti anxiety drops" they're called antidepressants. Maybe this is something you should explore: noone wants their child on drugs but they can be an effective short term measure for severe anxiety. K x

Agre with Tally, Adam. If this really happened to you, and you have a head injury, you need medical attention as soon as possible as it needs to be checked out by a doctor. It's not something we can or should be advising you on here. Kathryn

Hi Carrera, Good to hear your son is doing well. The transport banding system sounds like someting which is specific to your LA. All LA's are under pressure to save money, so be wary, check what the proposals are and put forward your views and be prepared to defend your son's need for a taxi and escort. LA's still have to make suitable travel arrangements for eligible children, but they may redefine "suitable" if it is the more expensive option. K x

Hi and welcome back. Hope the diagnosis leads to the right kind of support for your son, good luck with the next stage. K x

Ah yes, Malvolio. And perhaps also Jacques in As You Like It - a similar character. K x

Coriolanus. Perhaps the earliest example? Were I lucky enough to get the part, I would definitely play him as someone with AS. K x

Sounds as though you have a good tutor there who will keep you motivated, hope you carry on enjoying the course. English should be fun and inspiring. K x.

<'> Tally I can't imagine what the effect of this ongoing case is having on you and your family. I hope today's news is one step closer to getting some kind of closure. Small consolation for losing David, but it sounds as though justice is at least being done. Take care K x

She has been away before for long periods as Tally says. Lots of people disappear for a bit when "real life" takes over, hopefully she's OK.. Mumble if you're reading this do give us a virtual wave if you want to. K x

Hi Peppa, No, your instincts are right, the wording is very woolly. If the statement doesn't describe exactly what your son is entitled to receive it's not worth the paper it's written on. Regarding your last point, there is case law somewhere that says LA's should decide what provision is needed and not leave it up to someone else to decide in the future. I'll see if I can dig it up K x

Hi Glyno Sorry to hear that things are not so good with your son. Do you want to start a new topic of your own about this? You can copy the post you've done here. Then people might see it more easily and reply to it K x