hev Report post Posted January 12, 2007 have got to write letter to lea saying why i think steven needs to go residential,been thinking of certain things,katies health,my health,im rubbish at letters,thats all i can think of,anything else?think ive got mental block on it cos im thinking about it so much!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoebe Report post Posted January 12, 2007 Maybe if you look at the checklist forms for filling out the DLA, or read some of you posts on here you can then think of specific incidences to include. We adapt to the way we live and forget how much of it is out of the ordinary, looking back may remind you of something that you have forgotten. Also, emphasise how you think your son could benfit from being residential.(I think some of the replies from previous posts may help here too) Good luck with it Take care Phoebe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted January 12, 2007 Hev, You might weaken your argument for a residential school if you argue for social care. It's unusual for LEA's to fully fund residential placements, they are often joint funded (SS & LEA) or tri-part funded (SS, LEA and Health). To get the LEA to fully fund the placement you would need to argue that he needs a 24 hr. curriculum to meet his educational needs. The other option is he has the school day is paid by the LEA and the residential part (care) paid by SS. As I said before who pays for it should not be your problem. Your son needs a 24 hr. curriculum to give him continuity and to extend his opportunities for learning, and to develop his social and communication skills etc. You might be able to find evidence in the school prospectus. Having said all that, SS and LEA's are supposed to work together (joint services) these days. If a local authority refuse a residential placement, you cannot take SS to tribunal, only the LEA. It would help if you knew that SS and the LEA are working together on this and that they both think the placement is the right decision. Sorry, if it doesn't make sense Hev. Any questions, please ask. Nellie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hev Report post Posted January 12, 2007 nellie what do you mean when you say it may weaken my argument if i ask for social care?what is social care? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) Hi Hev, You need to show in your letter that all the local day schools are unable to meet his 'severe and complex special needs' and he is therefore unable to access the curriculum at the moment, rather than saying what the residential school can offer him. This is really important...if you just list all the things a residential school can offer, the LEA will try and say his needs can be met at a day school. The things that the local day schools can't offer will include a 24 hour curriculum (this is most important, because it's obviously not available at a day school), specialist staff for AS, specialist support for any mental health problems he may have (e.g. self-harming), tiny classes and a high staff/pupil ratio. You need to state clearly that there are no day schools that can give this provision (obviously not, as you want a 24 hour curriculum). Put in any examples of how his current school has been unable to meet his needs. Include any letters from professionals saying that he needs a 24 hour curriculum in special residential placement. If you haven't got any, phone his consultant, current Head Teacher and anyone else you can think of and ask them to write such a letter, explaining clearly why they think this is the way forward for Steve. Good luck! <'> Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Bid Edited January 12, 2007 by bid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted January 12, 2007 (edited) I think Nellie means that your LEA may say that any 'social care' can be met by help from SS at home. You need to concentrate on what local day schools can't give him within education, i.e. a 24 hour curriculum. Bid Edited January 12, 2007 by bid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted January 12, 2007 Hev, I think I've got my wires crossed, I thought your son was in a specialist day placement and you wanted him to remain there but as a residential pupil. Have I got it wrong? Nellie xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted January 12, 2007 Bid is correct. The LEA may try to say he needs residential for care. You have to give evidence for educational reasons. In other words he needs to have his education extended over a 24 hr. period to give him continuity and extend his opportunities for learning etc. Try to keep the Social Services and LEA as seperate issues. SS should be assessing your son and the family's needs. This might help. NAS Caring for a child with ASD: Getting help from Social Services. http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=305&a=4322 You may find that the LEA and SS give a joint residential package, but that's not for you to worry about. Nellie xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pumpkinpie Report post Posted January 13, 2007 If you go to the tes website www.tes.co.uk then the staff room part you will get a list of differnt options and threads ie opinion, behaviour etc if you go to the one on sen there is a thread there about a child not getting the education they are entitled to. Thats from a school teacher asking what to put in a report for a child to get into residential - the way its set out may help! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
