helenl53

When I went to Tribunal, this was costed at �9.50 per hour which included on-costs - so I would say that �10.50 would be a reasonable average now. On the statements, if it says 'the lea will provide a further X hours teaching assistant support (or equivalent) this only means the money they will give the school in to put into the pot. If the support is not dedicated 1:1 then the school can use this funding for general SEN (so long as they meet the needs on the statement). For instance, they may get �100 per week additional funding but they may be able to meet your child's needs and others using this funding. Unless the statement is explicit about 1:1, then it does not seem possible to ring fence this money for just your child. I hope this makes sense HelenL

I would just write and say that you are unhappy that they have failed to describe his needs in full at Part 2 and have also failed to describe in full all that provision required to meet those needs at Part 3, therefore you would like the statement finalised and information on your rights of appeal. Lodging an appeal at SENDIST does not stop you continuing negotiations with the Local Authority on the content of the statement and in fact SENDIST are usually pleased if agreement can be reached on some points before the Tribunal. When the statement is finalised by the LEA, I beleive that they must name the school that they deem suitable to meet your child's needs. I would not give too much away about where you would like him to go, as the onus will be on you to provide evidence that the school named will not be able to meet your childs needs and in my opinion, it is sometimes best to let them see the school that you are requesting at the Case Statement time. I know it is dodging and diving, but if they know in advance what you are likely to request, then you will be giving them the opportunity to present a better case for the school that they want. I hope this helps and bravo to your independent Ed Psych for helping you. By the way, I must just add that this information is purely my own opinion. Best wishes HelenL

In order for you to go to SENDIST, you need the statement to be finalised. You have more chance of success at SENDIST if you are appealing all parts of the statement (parts 2, 3 and 4). If they button up 2 and 3 and then finalise it, you may have less chance of a decision to name parents choice of school at Part 4. If it was me - and this is only my own viewpoint, I would not attend the meeting and would request that they finalise the statement and inform you of your rights of appeal. Otherwise valuable time could be wasted dicking about and then they will probably try and issue a 2nd Proposed statement which sets the whole clock ticking off again! By the way, all the time you are negotiating with them about the proposed statement, they can use this as an excuse to delay the statutory deadlines for finalising. Sorry to be a cynic, but I have been there and got the straightjacket! I think that if you have a really dodgy Statement, then it will be easier to argue at SENDIST for amendements to all parts. This is only my point of view and you must take advice and do what you think is right. HelenL

Unfortunately, I am ashamed to say that this is in the news in our area. http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/pool...utistic_boy.php HelenL

When my son was at his previous school and extremely depressed and anxious, he came out in blistery type rashes all over his back and legs and my GP diagnosed a herpes type condition brought on by anxiety. Worth getting the GP to check - not only to ascertain what it is but also to have a record of physical symptoms brought about by anxiety! HelenL

It's OK Nellie - it looks like it worked!

I need Nellie to make this into a link - I am rusty and have forgotten how to do it. A very important consultation! http://www.drc.org.uk/the_law/consultation...nd_the_dda.aspx HelenL

Oh Simon, I am so sorry I have only just read this thread and I am so sorry for your loss. You have been a great strength and support to me in the past and you are in my thoughts now at this very sad time. With love Helen

It must be the day for it - I had a letter today from a special school saying my son's needs were greater than they could provide for. There is something wrong about a developed country in the 21st Century not being able to provide for the most vulnerable in our society. HelenL

I would just like to add that both of these kids were deemed not to have any kind of SEN at their previous school!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Been a long time coming - but well done! Love Me

woooohooooo. and a hoot hoot from J Now you have to pass it forward!!! Love H

When will the Local Authority obey the law with regard to children with SEN Identify, assess and make provision - it is the Local Authority resposibility for this!!!!! When will the Local authority obey the law when it comes to writing statements and specify ALL the child's needs and QUANTIFY provision. Less cases would go to Tribunal if they obeyed the law - currently parents are not going to Tribunal to settle disputed points - but are going to get SENDIST to make them abide by the law - Local Authorities are using taxpayers money to go to SENDIST, however parents are having to invest heavily not only financially, but emotionally in getting the Local Authority to stop breaking the law. I would like to be funded by taxpayers to break the law!!!!! Rant not quite over - I am in a perpetual stated of rantiness. HelenL

The statement should be fully quantified - i.e. by whom, and for how long. IPSEA have some guidance on their website about quantification. You could ask the school to provide the SEN timetable. You can ask that it is written into statement that teaching and support staff who deal with your child have ASD training/experience. HelenL

Chapter nine of the Code Of Practice has the guidance on the Review meeting. If they did not follow procedure, I would ask that it not be conisdered a review meeting until all parties have conformed to the Code of Practice. Reports circlualted 2 weeks prior etc. Sorry don't know where to link it - but I think that 'up top' Nellie has put a link to the COP. Sorry - rushing out for support group meeting. HelenL

If they listen, this is a very good subject to petition on. I find it absolutely immoral that parents have to go down the SENDIST route just to get the Local Authorities to abide by the law. The cases being heard are not about settling a disputed point and unfortunately, as I have found out, SENDIST have a narrow remit - they are not there to penalise Local Authorities for lawbreaking - neither is the Secretary of State for Education, neither is the Ombudsman. I have gone from start to finish and found that there is absolutely no accountability. The DfES needs to have some teeth to stop this going on and they need to be willing to do something about it - not just state that they do not get involved in local authority policy. grrrrrrrr.. Helen L

I don't know if this will help - but we tend to eat in restaurants such as Harvester at around three in the afternoon when it is quieter. We also ask for a booth which helps with J's difficulties with seeing people eat disgustingly or being watched himself. Because he is concerned that he will get germs from other people breathing or spitting on buffet food, I have shown him how to 'turn the food over' so that he gets it from the bottom and is less likely to be contaminated! He does like to eat out but I wonder why we bother as he becomes very agitated but tells us he has really enjoyed it! Cutlery flies all over the place and he becomes very loud and screetchy but I keep telling myself that we have to persevere as he may take a girl out on a date when he is older! Life skills and all that malarkey. Love HelenL

Happy Xmas and here's to 2007 being a better year for those who are struggling. (smileys are not working) Love HelenL

Microsoft Admin, you are going to find it tough enough in life, Asperger's or not but the best thing you can do for yourself is to complete your education to the best of your ability. You will then be more able to achieve and this will give you some self esteem and independence to make choices. You will then be more positive and be in abetter position to support someone like your girlfriend. If you do not look after yourself and finish education, then you may go into a downward spiral and this will be no good for you or your girlfriend. As a mum who is absolutely scared witless about the future for my son, I can see where your mum is coming from. She knows that if you stick with the course, then you have a chance at a decent future and she is worried that you will miss the opportunity by being sidetracked away from it by the needs of your girlfriend. Please do not let this opportunity pass you by. I am not a cynic, but love and romance do not get you through life and this is normally not enough to keep a relationship going when you are struggling for work and housing. Give yourself the opportunity to be able to work and be independent, and then the love and romance will be so much sweeter. HelenL

You go girl and kick some booty at the Local Authority - you have some battle scarred veterans around to help LOL. Love Helen

Jen Rose - THEY SHOULD NOT BE NAMING THE SCHOOL AT PART 4!!!!! This is illegal. Part 4 must always be left blank on the proposed statement. Speak to IPSEA or NAS if you can. Love Helen

Abso blooody loody fantastic

Hi BOF What you are feeling is perfectly normal. If we lived in a world where there was tolerance and understanding, we wouldn't feel this way but sadly, this is the world we live in. Take all the support you can get and enjoy Owen for all the lovely things that he does and says. You know where I am if you need to chat. Love Helen

Hi Hev, you need to contact the DfES Special Educational Needs Operations in Darlington. I have a number for the person who deals with our area, but no doubt they will put you through to the person that deals with your Local Authority. I don't think they can deal with Social Services issues, but they can deal with Education issues. I normally email them so that they have a record of what the problem is. Can't guarantee success - they tend not to have teeth, but your case may be different. Anyway here is the number 01325 391201 Good luck. helenL

Hi JR - I bought a pad of charts from the shop that sounds like little metal clips that hold paper together and begins with St and ends with aples. It was in the stars and organiser things for kids. Love Helen

Bravo