do we stand and fight

[shadow cat]

little bit of background here daughter 14 severe autism,severe learning difficulties ,challenging behavior ,non verbal, epilepsy local SLD school she was expelled last December and has been part time since due to go up to local secondary school this September ,we asked for a re assessment early this year we thought the local SLD secondary school would have a many problems as the now school eg space and not enough specialised staff ,plus they are moving to a new school so that would be another change for my daughter to cope with , so we asked for her to go to a specialised school out of area ,okay here is now my problem they LEA have stated that the local schools cannot cope at the moment and they will pay for her to go to the out of area specialised school but with a view to possibly bringing her back to the local SLD senior school when they have the new building next September 2008,i am happy she can go but i stated i didn't want her moved again my daughter deserves a settled education we have all been messed around so much by the LEA and school ,now they say they will look at all the expert advice before even thinking of bringing her back to the local school and they cannot force us to move her again ,but i am very worried they have kindly offered to pay for some respite at the specialised school too as my local area cannot provide respite for a child like my daughter that is all great but i would rather have my daughter settled in one school for the remainder of her education than any respite and plus if they do bring her back to our local school then all that will be taken away any way ,my belly and heart is in knots i don't know what to do or where to turn the pp woman thought it was great but i am not so sure and will want her to take a very close look at the new draft statement ,what do i do ? do i fight now for a permanent place or do take what they offer and fight them in September 2008 over it ,will the specialised school back my daughter or back the bill payer ,what should have made me happy is now making me sick with worry and i now rather than be able to enjoy the next year wait in fear for the dreaded decision

[pumpkinpie]

This is apositve move. Wait for the draft and speak to ipsea/here when you get it.I cant see them wanting to change her at age 15 and I think you would have a good case to argue against it.

[Bard]

LEA have stated that the local schools cannot cope at the moment and they will pay for her to go to the out of area specialised school but with a view to possibly bringing her back to the local SLD senior school when they have the new building next September 2008.

 

I go with Pumpkinpie. Let her go, liase well with the specialised school and keep careful records of how she gets on; provisions the school makes, facilities she needs and has access to, the flexibility and tailored approach to her specific requirements.

When and if you have to argue her case for funding again, you will have some hard evidence and the backing of the specialist school if they feel that their establishment is the best fit for her. They should argue for her with the LEA, as the money goes with the child. Your daughter is one of those who validates the existence of the specialised school. Without her, and others with similar needs, there's no reason for the school to exist.

Go for the respite too, it will let you begin to build a positive relationship with them.

And you can have a six hour bubble bath with chocolate on the side.( Next to your mobile!)

 

You may have to stand and fight, but choose your ground and arm yourself with as many diverse weapons as possible. Long range and close quarters!

Edited July 11, 2007 by Bard

[Kathryn]

I agree with the others - grab the place, get a foot in the door, and fight the next battle whan it comes in a year's time. It should be a less difficult task than fighting for a permanent place now, as Bard says, you will have a year's worth of further evidence to back up your case.

 

K x

[puffin]

I agree with the previous posters. If you can get her into the specialist school it will be harder for the LEA to justify moving her agian if she is settled and doing well.

[Cat]

Let her go. My friend is an IPSEA rep and she always says that it is very difficult for an LA to re-claim a child of they are settled. I would certainly involve IPSEA and if necessary they will help you to fight this if or when the time comes.

 

Cat

[lisa]

I agree. Once your daughter is settled in the school, you're in a very strong position. If they do try to move her in Sept 08 you'd be able to appeal to tribunal, the LEA would have to continue to pay for her to attend her current school until the tribunal panel made a decision.

The LEA probably wouldn't even challenge it if you did submit appeal papers because they'd know they wouldn't stand a chance at tribunal of changing the school on her statement just to save them a bit of money and to the detriment of your daughter.

 

Go for it, hopefully the LEA would have forgotten by next year anyway, they're too busy trying to stop anyone else getting statements!