If we get a statement

[jools]

we are in the process of trying to get a statement for G.

if we are successful i am hoping he will get 1:1 support.

 

can we some how make sure that the person who does this is qualified?

 

i have a good reason for asking this.

at the moment the only other child in the school with a statement has full 1:1 support.

her ta is off sick and is likely to be for a while.

the head teacher has asked an unqualified parent to work with her until the ta returns.

the same parent, along with another unqualified parent is also looking after full classes 2 afternoons each week so i know he wouldn't give it two thoughts about asking one of them to do it.

 

i know we haven't got the statement yet but want to know where i stand just in case we are lucky!

[Tilly]

When my daughter attended mainstream school with a dx, her support was chosen because, - to quote the deputy headteacher

"She's the best we've got, and her friends little boy has autism too."

 

I wish I knew about this forum then.

 

Tilly

[JsMum]

What about a the request be experienced, rather than qualified, having qualifications doesnt nessacary mean they know what there doing, practically doing the job and having experience does, so what about has awareness and experience of Autism.

 

Just a thought,

 

Js LSA has experience in AS/AUTISM and she is excellent with J and knows him inside out!

 

JsMum

[jools]

thanks to both of you

 

yes, experience is much more important so i would try to request that any support comes from someone experienced in asd.

 

not sure what i'd do without this site

[Karen A]

Hi I have another hint.We got a section written in to the statement stating that all staff working with Ben should be given at least basic training in Social Communication Difficulties-so a half day course was provided as inset by the specialist SALT.It worked well in helping other TAs and teachers understand Ben better for example when he has problems at break time.Karen

[pumpkinpie]

I had it written into the statement about someone trained and with experience and who goes on courses etc - best move I made - makesure this is written in to avoid future problems because otherwise you willbe stuck with untrained staff!

[UltraMum]

Hi I have another hint.We got a section written in to the statement stating that all staff working with Ben should be given at least basic training in Social Communication Difficulties-so a half day course was provided as inset by the specialist SALT.It worked well in helping other TAs and teachers understand Ben better for example when he has problems at break time.Karen

I had it written into the statement about someone trained and with experience and who goes on courses etc - best move I made - makesure this is written in to avoid future problems because otherwise you willbe stuck with untrained staff!

 

This is the best thing to do as you can then start if the TA has no experience or training

[Karen A]

Hi .I agree with ultramum.Basicaly if you think anything is important enough that it could be an issue for you later it is worth pushing to get it written clearly in the statement.It is a frequent occurance here that people struggle later because the school or LEA try to avoid comitting to things and argue over things that should have been documented and were not-or were written using unclear wording. Karen

[butterfingersbimbo]

gasp!!! it never even occured to me that they would have someone who is clueless work with a child....how dumb am I? i dont even know what qualification's el's LSA has.......

[sonia]

My son has had the same TA for 3 + years now. He moves to middle school in september so will change TA'S then. His present TA is great with a wealth of experience and training. She attended Early Bird Plus last July with my husband and I, with the support of the school. When Nathan got his statement in reception I was advised about have something concrete put into statement as follows:

" Support provided by staff who are qualified/and or have experience in meeting the needs of pupils with autism".

 

Experience and a commitment to learn is so important. If a TA is dedicated to learn then this can sometimes outway qualifications. Unfortunatley I do not believe there are alot of qualified TA's in ASD out there but more are emerging with the passion and dedication needed.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Sonia xxx