what to do ?

[shadow cat]

We went to see the specialised school for my daughter (severe Autism,severe learning df,challenging behaviour ,non verbal) it was wonderful amazing grounds, amazing teaching everything that dd could want and more they take them out every week no matter what challenging behaviours they have it was wonderful to see ,i am going to see what her natural senior school as in what the LEA will propose her next school soon but i know in my heart this other school is the best one for dd ,it is not too far away it took me 50mins there but we got a little lost it only took me 35 mins back she is on the bus 60 mins already and this is a school that is 15mins away from us i have seen her draft statement and asked for various bits to be amended and i have asked for a school not to be named till i have seen both and i can put my ideas forward ,i know a lad from the same LEA area goes to my choice of school but i am left wondering what fight his mum had to put up to get him in there ,the lady from my choice of school sees dd at her current school for out reach thinks that dd has so much potential ,so much so she thinks she should be put in a higher ability class at said school i was amazed she thinks dd has been left to rot education wise,(she is part time at the moment her current special school for SLD cant cope with her ,she has been expelled once) and she has so much more to give i was flabbergasted as i would have put dd in the lowest band of my choice school ,so what happens next after we have seen the next school do i have to get in touch with the LEA and propose a school ?? ,i would love her to go to my choice school as they can adapt to dd ,dd wouldn't have to adapt to them ,hubby thinks i don't like my choice school he loves it too but its not i don't like it i am scared ,scared we are going to have many years fighting for it i don't want to raise my hopes just to have them dashed,i cant afford a court fight over this i have no money , Im scared and don't know what to do next all this and dds operation coming up i feel ill with worry i am not sleeping again i really want to push for this school dd deserves it they have dumped on her enough and i deserve a few years of dd being full time before i take over full time plus if she goes to my choice school they would offer us respite and she can actually attend play schemes in the holidays etc how wonderful would that be ??? yet my heart sinks my LEA rarely send children out of the area ,have i got the fight in me ,have i got the brains to fight it ?? and what do i do to fight it ?

[Suze]

just curious..........is this school in cheshire??.........noticed you were from west midlands.

[shadow cat]

No its in worstershire sp !!

[lynda4]

I think you might stand a good chance of getting into this school, as one of the criterias for gooing out of area is that, that particular school is the only one which can cater for your child's needs. If there is another school in your own area which can, then you'd have to go to that one. Obviously this isn't the case as the local school can't cope and she's only going part time. I know children who have travelled the distance you're talking about and even further to get to the school which best caters for their child's needs, so I think you have a chance. Places in special schools, especially the good ones are always very limited though, so that might be more of a problem than going out of the area. You might have to go on a waiting list. Having said that, the fact that Amy is unable to attend school full time at present should go in your favour.

 

I don't know about whether you can delay filling in the named school section or not. I'd advise you to give ACE or IPSEA a ring and talk to them about all this. Have a look through the websites too, as you can pick up all sorts of useful info. They'll be able to advise you on the named school question but also talk through your options and rights as well. I've used both of them a few times and always found them very helpful. Once you get your facts straight, it gives you the confidence to go ahead with your (possible) fight, knowing you have a good chance of winning.

 

ACE - Advisory Centre for Education - deals with all aspect of education, for SEN and ordinary kids.

 

www.ace-ed.org.uk

 

IPSEA - Independent Panel for Special Education Advice - deals only with SEN issues in education

 

www.ipsea.org.uk

[elun1]

Hi I know theschool you mean if it's the one in Clent and It's supposed to be excellent. Why not try putting it down and see what happens? In the meantime you could maybe seek advice fro NAS advisor or IPSEA. Would be worth it if she got a place. I'd love my ds to go there when he's bigger

Elun xx

[shadow cat]

you're right Elun ,have you been to see it ? it is really beautiful and the staff are excellent ,i think i am going to go for it if i don't dd is going to miss out on an education ,i have a pp lady helping me so ill see what she says ,thanks all

[elun1]

Hi Shadowcat

No I haven't been yet but know others who have and they've all been really impressed. I spoke to the Principal who was lovely and said we could visit. Used to live in Belbroughton but now we've relocated so getting a place for my ds in the future is going to be a fight but think it'll be worth it. Good luck with it all - keep me posted

Elun xxx

[stressedmumto2]

I think from what you've described you have to give it a go and fight for it. YOU CAN DO IT because in your heart it is what you want.

 

I have just been to tribunal, didn't win but taking it further. I have spent money on legal representation and it's pricey but because I am hoping to go back again I have been given information on agencies that may be able to help and represent at tribunal for small fee or free.

 

The National Autistic Society may be able to help you or IPSEA could help you with preperation and representation at tribunals although both said they are quite busy with tribunals at the mo' give them a call though cos you never know. You could also try the children's legal services, if you google their name you will get a contact no'. There are some other places you could try and NAS may be able to give you phone no's.

 

Wishing you lots of luck with this but I would strongly advise you to get some good support, take care <'>