Finalised statement..

[smiley]

Hi all,

 

I've received M's 'finalized' statement (it's going to be written up at the end of this week - i've been emailed it to look through).

 

It appears not much of what i was arguing with has changed i've managed to get OT and SaLT into part three, but the hours haven't changed - and the wording is dubious to say the least . I'm getting really fed up with it all now - i've spent ages writing and compiling evidence, only for the majority of it to be ignored - Pooh . I think the b****ers have worn me down.

 

I've had enough .

Edited December 4, 2006 by smiley

[pumpkinpie]

It really is worth the fight. i know from experience that you will not get anything changed after its been finalised no matter how many reviews annual or otherwise you have.

I would persist it will be worth it in the end particualrly in respect - of designated support from some one trained and experienced with children with asd.

- out reached worker specialising in autism to visit ie weekly/half termly to work with...... and deliver training to staff etc.

- lunchtime and dinners upport from trained person in austism.

 

Just a few ideas

Have ipsea been asked for their opinion? It would be worth a call?

[smiley]

 

[lisa]

I agree with pumpkin. I accepted my son's statement 3 years ago basically because I was fed up for the same reasons as you. I thought I'd put a really good case and the LEA would come back practically ignoring everything I said. They made a few changes but nothing much. I was happy we'd finally got a statement and he'd get support at last so accepted it. He's doing ok, not brilliantly and definitely not reaching his potential but getting by, but we've tried every year since to get stuff added or changed and asked for additional support but they basically say NO and now I have no right of appeal. My only option would be to ask for reassessment and risk losing the statement altogether!!

 

This time around with my daughter I'm going to appeal. Her statement has just been finalised and so she can't lose the support they've already put into place. By going to tribunal I have nothing to lose and at the end of the day may, if we're lucky, get extra support or a better statement out of it. I've been through tribunal once and know what to expect so I'm quite happy to go through it again.

 

Think long and hard before you decide to accept an inadequate statement because as pumpkin said, it's very hard to get it changed once it's finalised and the appeal date has passed.

 

Lisa

[smiley]

I understand - but what more can i do? I've gone through it (again!), highlighted the parts i don't agree with (again!), quoted evidence within M's advice (again!), and quoted the CoP (AGAIN!!!).

I have no help... NAS - the contact was brief (the supporter i was given doesn't have the time to help). Network 81 - ditto (wants to help, just don't have the man-power). IPSEA - i've phoned them constantly for months, again.............no-one available to take on my case. I've tried every avenue i can think of. Don't get me wrong, these are fantastic people, no doubt helping voluntarily, and all giving great advice on specific bits, they just don't have the time to help me throughout the whole process. I don't have the knowledge or energy to figure this out. It's just me here - i've no-one to bounce ideas off............. Moan, moan, moaaaan - Sorry

I've tried everything i can think of - and it's not working. I've asked all i can think of for advice - it's not working. Perfect form of torture isn't it.

Yes - i feel i'm letting M down. I've learnt so much in the past six months - but the LEA guy i'm up against has much more knowledge than me - and is notorious for not backing down.

I'm tired

[Bagpuss]

Smiley

 

Wish I knew what to say

 

Take care <'> <'>

[LizK]

<'> <'> <'> <'>

 

Lx

[JenRose]

What about a solicitor specialising in education law?

I know that you might have to pay (of you dont qualify for legal aid) but its something else to think about.

 

I know there are quite a few who do help parents to get the provision that they need/want for their child.

 

HTH

[curra]

Hi Smiley,

 

It's really very hard when you have to do all on your own without any help! . Is there a support group for AS/SEN in your area? Maybe someone there can help you.

My son also got a statement recently (I'm still waiting for the final statement) and I returned the proposed statement with amendments which the LEA accepted using a different wording from what I proposed. I also didn't get any help to go through the process although I asked PP but they didn't even replied to me. My son needs to change school urgently so I don't know if I did the right thing but I followed my gut feeling and did not insist anymore with the dubious wording and so I accepted the statement because in my son's case I know that what he really needs is to move to a school with an ASD unit. The statement can say many things, and in fact is a legal document, but in my opinion, the main source of support is finding the right school where there are teachers who understand ASD and know how to teach our children. To give you an example, when I told my son's tutor that M has got a statement he said "It won't make any differenece". I was so shocked that I couldn't even ask him why he thought that way. Now I see that 1:1 support in his present school is not the same as 1:1 support in a school where they know about ASD. My son's statement says that he has to receive individual guidance, that really sounds vague doesn't it? I could fight for precise wording and get it (perhaps) but in his present school it would be just "target setting" sessions and not real guidance for an AS child. In some mainstream school statemented children are grouped together and receive support from a LA in the group who has to help children with different types of needs. TI'm not advising you to stop your fight for the statement, don't let them wear you down !! - but if you find that it states all his needs, sets out quantified and sufficient provision and that you can't do more, then the next important thing is to find the best school for him.

I hope that I'm not discouraging you with my reply. Every case is different and only you can tell whether the statement is satisfactory or not. If it's not, I would insist and ask IPSEA for help again. They may be very busy at the moment but they always help.

 

Good luck! <'> <'>

 

Curra

[Kathryn]

Hi Smiley,

 

It looks as though you've done just about all you can do to get what you want in the statement at this stage. Don't forget that you can appeal when you get the final statement. It's worth a try. It means a bit more stress and hassle, but IPSEA and the NAS have support available specifically for this process.

 

Don't give up <'> <'>

 

K x

Edited November 28, 2006 by Kathryn

[UltraMum]

Hi all,

 

I've received M's 'finalized' statement (it's going to be written up at the end of this week - i've been emailed it to look through).

 

It appears not much of what i was arguing with has changed i've managed to get OT and SaLT into part three, but the hours haven't changed - and the wording is dubious to say the least . I'm getting really fed up with it all now - i've spent ages writing and compiling evidence, only for the majority of it to be ignored - Pooh . I think the b****ers have worn me down.

 

I've had enough .

 

Smiley - you can let them finalise the statement and then appeal to tribunal - whilst then using an independent moderation service to try to resolve things in the meantime.

 

You just need to write and say that there are areas that you still disagree with in the statement but that for the sake of M's education the statement needs to be finalised and the support he needs to be put in place while you then appeal to SENDIST.

 

It may scare them enough to make then take a re-look and issue a further statement that contains all you need (or at least part way towards) - they can issue a new statement at any time so your disagreement shouldn't prevent them from finalising this present statement even though you disagree with it.

 

It is hard work fighting and JenRose's suggestion of legal help is worth considering. I can PM you with the name of the lawyer that IPSEA put us onto if that's any help?

 

There is a legal aid calculator here - http://www.clsdirect.org.uk/legalhelp/calculator.jsp?lang=en - that will help you to work out if you can claim legal aid ... I think it may be able to be claimed in M's name - otherwise you are entitled to a free half hour consultation - she was very good when I spoke to her under this scheme.

 

<'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'> <'>

[smiley]

Thanks all

 

The statement has 15 hours. I gave them written evidence from each and every professional who helps Michael (including school) - each one has stated clearly that he cannot manage on his own. LEA have ignored that .

Edited December 4, 2006 by smiley

[UltraMum]

<'> <'> <'> <'> <'>

[smiley]

Hi guys,

Still having no luck getting through to anyone...

I've copied the DfES letter stating LEA's must quantify and specify statements and not have blanket policies, i'm includinging it within my letter to LEA man (not sure where it will get me...but hey ho!).

I've also written twice to request a meeting with LEA man, both times have added pionts about some of the parts that i don't agree with - both requests for meetings have been ignored - the letters i've recieved back have basically said 'no' to my points........... Then i get this email about the finalised statement....

Deep breath . Should i include within my letter that i've have not had a meeting? Even though i have requested it twice??

[UltraMum]

Should i include within my letter that i've have not had a meeting? Even though i have requested it twice??

 

YES - they are obviously not listening to you - this will be evidence, should you decide to go to Tribunal, that mediation was tried by you and ignored

[UltraMum]

Try something like this: summarise all that you are still asking for and attach it to this covering letter

 

 

 

 

Dear xxxx

 

Please find attached the form confirming receipt of the fnalised statement and my response to the fnalised statement of M's Special Educational Needs.

 

I should like xxxxxxxxxxx to be the School named in part four of the statement.

 

In light of the time that has passed since the start of the assessment process, and the LEA's continued disregard to my requests for alterations I feel that, for M's sake, it is necessary to finalise this statement, allowing me to approach the SEN Tribunal. Finalising the statement means that some of M's programme can be put in place to address his educational needs.

 

There still remain areas where I feel clarification or more specification is needed. These are detailed in the attached response. I should be grateful for your written comments on all the issues raised in the attached response, whether you agree with them or not.

 

I am happy to have meetings with yourselves, (as previously requested twice by myself, although these requests have not apparently been heeded), regarding these issues, but do not want this to be at the expense of finalising the statement, organising support for M, or my right of appeal to the SEN Tribunal.

 

Yours sincerely

[butterfingersbimbo]

oh chic!!! <'> <'> <'>

 

you are NOT failing your son, stop giving yourself a hard time, you have got a lot on your plate and are doing your best!!!

 

are you wanting more hours on the statement? i'm not really sure what to advise as el's proposed statement didnt even have any hours or funding band on it, when i phoned the LEA they still wouldnt tell me what she was getting, i had to wait for the school to tell me......by this time i was ready to play dead i had really had enough.

 

sending you loads of pos vibes, and a right big hug, hope you get somewhere.

 

think curra defo has a good point tho about the school they go to making a huge difference.....

[smiley]

Thank you <'> <'>

 

The form confirming reciept? Will this be sent with the hard copy of the finalised stat? (i've just recieved the email version - 'paper' copy to arrive early next week.......).

[butterfingersbimbo]

ultra mum, you rock!!!

[pumpkinpie]

I wouldnt be happy about just 15 hrs support, is it with someone trained in asd - what is provisoion at lunch and breaks?

In my area they say 15 hours is already funded in school budgets so it would equate to no additional money.

[UltraMum]

Thank you <'> <'>

The form confirming reciept? Will this be sent with the hard copy of the finalised stat? (i've just recieved the email version - 'paper' copy to arrive early next week.......).

 

I think it probably will come with the paper version as you will have to sign to say that you accept the statement - hence my wording in the letter ...

Please find attached the form confirming receipt of the finalised statement and my response to the finalised statement of M's Special Educational Needs.

It doesn't actually say that you agree with it - which is what the wording on the form tends to imply ...

[UltraMum]

ultra mum, you rock!!!

 

*blush*

 

I've quoted you in my signature!!!

[Kazzen161]

As you are now desperate for help, it might be worth calling Parent Partnership and asking for a befriender to help you deal with this. These befrienders are volunteers who have had training in the statementing process - you may be lucky and get a good one.

 

There is also a disagreement resolution service via PP - where they help you and the LEA to resolve problems.

 

It is always good to tell them that you will be going to Tribunal if the changes aren't made (whether you will or not) - it's good to get them worried.

 

I would be reluctant to accept the statement, as when you come to look for the next school it is very important that the statement accurately reflects his needs.

 

They should be agreeing to a meeting - so don't let them get away with that.

 

You said your SEN Officer doesn't back down - if it is ES, then he has in the past.

 

Karen

[smiley]

Kaz - not ES,

 

it has crossed my mind to contact her - but i'm not sure if i should. Do you think i could request someone else from within PP??

 

Thank you all so much for your support - don't know what i'd do without you lot <'>

 

I'm feeling a little stronger now - such a horrible feeling isn't it

Edited December 4, 2006 by smiley

[smiley]

Hi all

 

It's gotten worse

 

Just had a brief chat with M's 1:1 - she doesn't think M will manage at mainstream much longer. I'm waiting for the Head to call me.

 

Why didn't they tell me this a month/week/whatever ago?????? I've been fighting the LEA, and working towards what the the Infants (he moved to Juniors in Sept) said he needs.

 

So, i'm stuck with a useless statement (15 hours mainstream) - and i'm now being told he needs to go somewhere ASD specific.

 

 

 

Help me

[marshmallow]

<'> Sorry, I haven't any advice, hopefully someone has and that you et the provision provided that he needs. Take care.

[Jill]

Right, I am no expert, but here's my two penneth until someone truly knowledgeable comes along.

 

First of all, get a cup of tea and a slice of cake, sit down and have a minute. This is an awful thing that you are going through but you need to do what you have to do to keep strong - I find a run round the garden and scream helps sometimes (I'm not joking either).

 

Just had a brief chat with M's 1:1 - she doesn't think M will manage at mainstream much longer. I'm waiting for the Head to call me.

 

Why? What reasons does she have? Get her to put them in writing for your records. When the Head calls you, if she has the same concerns, ask her for them in writing too - doesn't have to be an essay, bullet points will do - as long as it is clear where they have originated. It sounds like the school is on your side, use them. We did for our fight & the HT proved an absolute God send - the LEA listened to her far more than me.

 

Why didn't they tell me this a month/week/whatever ago?????? I've been fighting the LEA, and working towards what the the Infants (he moved to Juniors in Sept) said he needs.

 

Maybe they've been monitoring the situation & it's all come to a head because of what's happening now? I'm not defending them, but maybe things have happened recently that have brought them to this conclusion? Ask them why they suddenly think ASD school is best?

 

So, i'm stuck with a useless statement (15 hours mainstream) - and i'm now being told he needs to go somewhere ASD specific.

 

The statement is not entirely useless. Yes, it doesn't currently meet his needs, but at least you've got one. That's part of the battle won already. Now you need the input from everyone and their dog to state that he needs an ASD specific school and they need to do this in writing.

 

You're probably not in the mind set just yet, but when you get things going (and you will, you are incredibly strong you know to get through this so far) I would suggest you find out what SN schools are available in your area and start to go and look at them. We did this & it supported our case no end - the LEA were dragging their heels a bit & said "go and book some visits to sn schools" to stall us a bit. It was a really good feeling to reply "we've already done it and here is our reports on how we feel each school will / wont meet The Boy's needs & we've also listed them in favoured order". They soon start to realise then that you've done your homework & you are not to be messed with!

 

Finally, a little hope for you. In January we had a statement that said The Boy's needs could be met in mainstream. We fought against this & got the statement changed & the LEA away from pushing mainstream at us all the time. Yesterday the LEA phoned me to confirm that The Boy has a place in the special school we wanted as our first choice. I'm not saying it's easy, but take heart, it is possible.

 

Take a minute, sort yourself out first with a cuppa (or stronger, it is after lunch after all) then get stuck into it. YOU CAN DO IT. We're all here to help if we can <'>

Edited November 29, 2006 by Jill

[smiley]

<'> Thank you <'> Great advice, and really appreciated at the moment <'>

 

I've arranged a meeting with school for tommorrow. They are great - it's just come as a shock. Yesterday was horrid, but i felt lucky in that i thought he was happy - i don't have him at home, in a state. I know some of you have had this cp!p from LEA's and have had to cope with desperately unhappy children too. Now i'm being told he's not as happy as i thought (he was in tears and looking very confused when i saw him at lunchtime). It's added a whole new thump in the stomach for me - i just want to bring him home and snuggle him up .

 

Right, *deep breath*........... And on to the next bit.....

 

I haven't sent anthing to Mr LEA man yet (it's ready to go off this afternoon). In light of what's happening in school........should i change what i've said or add something about school.....or not

Edited December 4, 2006 by smiley

[Jill]

I haven't sent anthing to Mr LEA man yet (it's ready to go off this afternoon). In light of what's happening in school........should i change what i've said or add something about school.....or not (or shall i just tell the ******* to stick it where the sun don't shine! )??

 

Personally I think I'd change it now. I'd perhaps let the LEA know what you WERE thinking, but say that after discussions with the school yesterday you now enclose your revised views. This is because we found that the LEA were generally a couple of steps behind us in up to date information & I was generally the one that was going round all the folks involved & keeping em up to date. Some may have seen this as haranguing, I saw it as performing a useful service

 

As a complete BTW - i think i may be loosing the plot slightly. I'm trying to keep my sense of humor, and i've found myself singing 'Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming....' from from the film Finding Nemo whilst i attack this paperwork !!!!!! It's official - i've cracked up

 

<'>

 

 

Sounds like perfectly normal reaction to me, I really wasn't kidding when I said I ran round the garden screaming! I only did it once, but it was soooooooo liberating. Your method sounds much less anti social!

 

Chin up chuck. You will win you know. Big hugs to your boy, I really do feel for you both <'> <'>

[Bagpuss]

Smiley...... <'> <'> <'> <'>

 

Sorry they are only virtual hugs......

 

Thinking of you <'>

[pumpkinpie]

I agree with the comments about cake and tea - choclolate cake works best!!!!!!!!

 

 

I think you are doing brilliantly!

I woulsd agree with the comments here dont send letter today, try and get something in writing from school - you are going to need it. Thank them for being honest thats all we as perents really want!

 

This does change every thing re provision, is this still the amended statment and not the final statement? If is is you have more time.

I would speak to parent partnership again or your local support group. You dont have to stick with hte same person if last one was rubbish ask for someone new and tell them why! I would!

 

What did school say in its original report did it say mainstream was working, why the change now? Need some proof to show this isnt just a blip in his needs but a fundamental change in his condition.

 

I would try and work with school and start looking at special provision now! I there a local asd advisory team you can turn to, now can school support your need to change to special provision - -it is want you want?????????

 

Have your drink and cake and let us know how you get on and how we can all help you!

 

[annie]

Hi Smiley <'> ,

 

I don't know if you've tried these ACE, it does say on their main page that they have cut back on helpline advisors, but it still might be worth a try. I've called them before , they are very helpful.

 

Annie xx

<'>

[butterfingersbimbo]

good luck with the meeting at the school, you are doing fantastic, even if you feel a bit wobbly on the mental side, i think you need to be at times like this or you really would lose the plot!!!

 

i would let the man from the LEA know that you are having an emergency meeting with the school tho if you get the chance in between breast strokes......

[smiley]

<'> Thank you all <'> <'>

 

Erm....can someone help with the letter/email to LEA man pleeeaaaase? Brains gone - i can't think how to word it. (UltraMum, where are you? ).

 

The email with finalised stat was sent to me on Mon - the covering note from LEA man said it was to be written up on Friday - so i need to get something to him by then................... But, brains fried. I can't think what to write (other than obsenities ).

 

 

Annie - I've tried ACE (and NAS and Network 81 and ...and...and.... ). All great advice on certain problems, but no-one to help me through the whole process unfortunately - says alot about the state of the education system eh?!

Edited November 29, 2006 by smiley

[smiley]

Hi guys,

 

someones mentioned to me about getting an extension - as a way of not finalising stat (because of schools news). Anyone heard of this - or, better still, got anything i can quote??

 

Thanks xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[annie]

I don't know if this will help. It's from the SEN COP.

 

Annie xx

<'>

 

8.14 Parental representations over the proposed statement

 

If parents have been fully consulted throughout the process, they are more likely to consider that the proposed statement presents a positive and accurate appraisal of their child's special educational needs and that the provision proposed represents an appropriate response to those needs. The LEA should, however, inform parents that:

 

they may within 15 days make representations to the LEA, and require that a meeting be arranged with an officer of the LEA to discuss the contents of the statement;

within 15 days of meeting the officer, the parents may make further representations or, if they disagree with any part of the assessment, require further meetings to be arranged with appropriate people within the LEA to discuss the advice given;

within a final 15 days from the last meeting the parents can make further comments to the LEA.

Every effort should be made to ensure that parents are happy with the proposed statement and that they understand the background to the proposals made for their child and consider that their wishes and feelings have been given full and sensitive consideration. Similar effort should be made to ensure that, so far as possible, the child's views are reflected in the proposed statement and that the child understands the reasons for the proposals.

 

At any meetings arising from the proposed statement, LEA officers should give parents sufficient time and information in order to discuss their anxieties with the Named LEA Officer, and seek as far as possible to come to a mutual agreement. Some parents may find assessment very stressful and need additional personal support. LEAs should inform parents that friends or relatives, or members of the parent partnership service (see Chapter Two) may accompany them. The LEA may wish to refer parents to professionals in health or other services for clarification of any relevant aspect of the provision proposed which is giving cause for concern.

 

8.15 The final statement

 

The LEA must send a copy of the final statement to the child's parents and give written notice of their rights of appeal to the Tribunal and the time limits. Parents may appeal against the description in the statement of the child's special educational needs, the special educational provision in the statement, and the school named or, if no school is named, that fact. The LEA must also give the parents the name of the person in the LEA to whom they may apply for information and advice about the child's special educational needs.

 

When amendments are suggested to the proposed statement and agreed by the LEA and the parents, the final statement should be issued immediately. LEAs must arrange the special educational provision, and may arrange any non-educational provision specified in the statement, from the date on which the statement is made. Every effort should be made to ensure that parents understand the significance of any amendments and the nature of the provision that is proposed to meet the child's special educational needs. Where, despite opportunities to discuss the situation with an officer of the LEA and any relevant professionals, the parents are unwilling to accept other amendments to the proposed statement or the LEA refuses the parents' proposals for amendments to the proposed statement, the LEA may nonetheless proceed to issue the final statement. The LEA must, however, inform the parents of their right to appeal to the Tribunal with regard to the provision specified in the statement, including the named school, and the procedures to be followed if they wish to do so.

 

Recourse to the Tribunal will inevitably be stressful for parents and time-consuming for the LEA concerned. To minimise appeals to the Tribunal, LEAs should ensure that parents have the fullest possible access to information and support during the statutory assessment process and that they are fully involved in contributing to their child's statement. Partnership with parents is fully discussed in Chapter Two.

[Sallya]

dear mr ......

thank you for the finalised statement which I recieved by email on{date).

 

I would like to inform you that I have several concerns over the contents of the statement and I will be appealing to the SENDIST tribunal.

The school have informed me today that they are concerned that M is not coping in mainstream and will need a specialist placement.

 

I would like to request a meeting to discuss these concerns, as there has been no response to my previous requests for meetings........

Edited November 29, 2006 by Sallya

[smiley]

Thanks Annie <'>

 

 

8.14 Parental representations over the proposed statement

 

If parents have been fully consulted throughout the process, they are more likely to consider that the proposed statement presents a positive and accurate appraisal of their child's special educational needs and that the provision proposed represents an appropriate response to those needs. The LEA should, however, inform parents that:

 

Fully consulted - nope. Fully ignored - yep.

 

they may within 15 days make representations to the LEA, and require that a meeting be arranged with an officer of the LEA to discuss the contents of the statement; Did that (twice!!) was ignored (twice!)

within 15 days of meeting the officer, the parents may make further representations or, if they disagree with any part of the assessment, require further meetings to be arranged with appropriate people within the LEA to discuss the advice given;

within a final 15 days from the last meeting the parents can make further comments to the LEA.

Every effort should be made to ensure that parents are happy with the proposed statement and that they understand the background to the proposals made for their child and consider that their wishes and feelings have been given full and sensitive consideration. Similar effort should be made to ensure that, so far as possible, the child's views are reflected in the proposed statement and that the child understands the reasons for the proposals.

 

No comment

 

At any meetings arising from the proposed statement, LEA officers should give parents sufficient time and information in order to discuss their anxieties with the Named LEA Officer, and seek as far as possible to come to a mutual agreement. Some parents may find assessment very stressful and need additional personal support. LEAs should inform parents that friends or relatives, or members of the parent partnership service (see Chapter Two) may accompany them. The LEA may wish to refer parents to professionals in health or other services for clarification of any relevant aspect of the provision proposed which is giving cause for concern.

 

8.15 The final statement

 

The LEA must send a copy of the final statement to the child's parents and give written notice of their rights of appeal to the Tribunal and the time limits. Parents may appeal against the description in the statement of the child's special educational needs, the special educational provision in the statement, and the school named or, if no school is named, that fact. The LEA must also give the parents the name of the person in the LEA to whom they may apply for information and advice about the child's special educational needs.

 

Looks like i'll be doing that

 

Recourse to the Tribunal will inevitably be stressful for parents and time-consuming for the LEA concerned. To minimise appeals to the Tribunal, LEAs should ensure that parents have the fullest possible access to information and support during the statutory assessment process and that they are fully involved in contributing to their child's statement ARGH! . Partnership with parents is fully discussed in Chapter Two.

 

I'll certainly have a very strong case to fight this is that's what he's supposed to do.

 

Going off to have a moochy through ACE handbook n SEN toolkit - again!

 

 

Quick edit to say thanks Sallya <'>

Edited November 29, 2006 by smiley

[smiley]

Letter done............ anyone who can have a look at it for me.... send me a PM please (don't want to put it on forum)

 

Ta xxxxx

[Kazzen161]

I have PM'd you.

 

You need to ask PP for a befriender, as they will be distanced from the LEA, unlike PP who work in the same building. They are supposed to help the parent without influence from the LEA (I know my friend does). When you speak to PP, also ask them if they have any info on the Appeals process - useful for the LEA to know you are not going to give in - lol!

 

From what I recall, once you have the proposed statement (which I don't think you have really yet, as you only have an e-mailed copy), you have X days to respond or else they presume you agree with it all and pass it through as finalised (it will tell you this in the accompanying letter). If you disagree with anything, you can ask for a meeting, and the time will be extended to allow the meeting to take place.

 

Perhaps the LEA are reluctant to make the changes you want because they know you will then be in a stronger position to ask for a specialist school when the need arises (they must be aware of what is going on at school), so definitely don't give in.

 

The Basingstoke asd support group should be meeting next week on Wednesday afternoon at Maple Ridge - it would be useful for you to go along (not least becasue at least you will get to see one special school, and hear about the other local provision).

 

 

Karen