Kathryn Report post Posted January 29, 2005 Hi all, Just a quick update on my daughter's situation. We have lodged our appeal and the Tribunal will happen at the end of April. We are hoping it will not get that far. The LEA hasn't blinked yet, but suddenly, after all these months, people are starting to talk to each other. (note - this is in a county which is apparently held up as a shining example of joined up thinking between health, education and social services. ) It's taken us a while to collect sympathetic people to plead our cause, but we're getting there. The two connexions workers are great, as is the LEA educational psychologist who came to assess my daughter at home last week, at our request. I had a long chat to her, she wrote down everything, and she was able to observe quite a lot of my daughter's behaviour and I'm sure her report will be fair. The school senco has been really supportive, and he will come to the tribunal as one of our witnesses. He remembers that concerns were expressed about L. in year 7: he was actually head of year back then, which makes him doubly useful. He has given us his home phone number and has even lent us a school camcorder to record video evidence. He says he just wants to help get what's best for L. The good folk at CAMHS, despite their limitations, have at least pushed for a multi agency meeting with a view to heading off the tribunal and working something out. In the meantime we carry on putting together our case statement and other evidence assuming that we are going right to the wire. Anyone who has done this and has any personal insights about what to put in, your thoughts would be welcome. We are getting advice from IPSEA and the NAS too - they are great. I cannot begin to imagine what the LEA will put in their case statement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Helen Report post Posted January 29, 2005 Hi Kathryn, I sincerely hope this works out for your daughter and for all concerned, my heart goes out to you <'> <'> <'> I'll PM you with some info, Helen x <'> Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bevalee Report post Posted January 29, 2005 Hi Kathryn Good Luck I hope everything goes well for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jericho Report post Posted January 29, 2005 Hi Kathryn, I don't have any experience of this but just wanted to wish you and your daughter the very best of luck. It's great to hear that people are finally starting to listen. Fingers crossed for April. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Suze Report post Posted January 29, 2005 Hi Kathryn, I really feel for you at the moment.A year ago we were in a similar situation.We rejected the initial statement of 5hrs playground assistance and were prepared to go to tribunal, all of a sudden a meeting was arranged with the LEA and we thrashed out a deal over coffee and biscuits(there is a hint of sarcasm in there and also a little bit of disbelief that a meeting of all things could be arranged and conversation between parties could take place, it could be that simple if the powers that be would allow it !!!!) I really hope you don,t have to go to tribunal our kids should have the help they need and deserve without having to beg or shout or plead for it,stay strong and don,t give up.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisa Report post Posted January 29, 2005 Kathryn, You can ask IPSEA and they will actually write your case statement for you. I was starting to get in a bit of a panic about it and as I said in another post, an IPSEA rep came to my house, took away copies of reports, chatted about what we wanted support wise, went away, wrote my case statement and emailed it to me and the plan was to discuss any changes over the phone but it was brilliant. I definitely wouldn't have been able to do such a good one. Our tribunal is 9th March. It's good news that you have so many professionals supporting you. Your case is outrageous and there's no way the LEA will get away with refusing to assess at tribunal. Another thing you could try is to find out who the director of education is at your LEA and either write or email him asking him to step in on your behalf and stop the tribunal. Good luck. Lisa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted January 29, 2005 Hi Lisa, We wrote to the DOE a couple of weeks ago and got a reply not from him but from someone lower down in the food chain - who couldn't even be bothered to sign it herself. That was before they knew we had lodged our appeal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loulou Report post Posted January 29, 2005 Hi Kathryn, I haven't got any advice for you, but it seems like you're doing all the right things. It's great to see things are finally moving. From my experience with my son's assessment, I know the LEA (same one as yours, i think) take the ed.psych's report very seriously. It sounds as if you were able to give her (ed psych) a lot of information about your daughter, so hopefully this will be reflected in her report. All the best, fingers crossed for you Loulou xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted January 29, 2005 Hi It really sounds as though things are coming together for you I just can't imagine that the LEA will go to Tribunal with this...just keep your nerve for a little while longer! Same LEA...our EP's report forms the basis of my son's whole Statement, so to have the EP on board is great! You could try writing to the DOE again...recent developments might focus his mind somewhat! Keep strong, and don't let the b******s get away with it...just imagine the satisfaction when a certain LEA employee (I'm mentioning no names!!) has to let you know that the LEA has caved in We're all behind you! Bidxx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted January 30, 2005 Keep strong, and don't let the b******s get away with it...just imagine the satisfaction when a certain LEA employee (I'm mentioning no names!!) has to let you know that the LEA has caved in Oh happy day What a lovely thought to sleep on tonight. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted February 2, 2005 Hi all, The multi agency meeting has been set up for next Tuesday involving representatives from the school, Camhs, the Ed psych, social services, home and hospital, connexions, the autism advisor, and the chair of the LEA statutiory assessment panel who shouted at me down the phone. Months later than it should have been, but at least it's happening. In the meantime we carry on putting together our case statement for tribunal, just in case. K Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loulou Report post Posted February 2, 2005 Hi Kathryn, Good luck for next Tuesday. Are you going to the meeting? Loulou x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barefoot wend Report post Posted February 2, 2005 Kathryn Very good luck with the meeting. Be tough. Regards Barefoot Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted February 2, 2005 I'm not going to the meeting. The psychiatrist phoned and said he thought it was best if the "professionals" attend this, (as opposed to who, the amateurs??? )I didn't want to go anyway: I think it would actually be counterproductive as I would find it hard to keep a lid on my feelings. There will be two people there who I would dearly love to punch. There will be three people there who know our situation intimately and share our views so I can trust them to put our point of view. I will keep the EP briefed on anything I want to be aired and she will update me afterwards. We will save our firepower for the tribunal. The only thing bothering me is the consultant psychiatrist who will probably swan in and pretend he knows everything about the situation. We actually only met him for the first time last week. He ignored all our advice about how to approach L. and caused her a lot of stress in fact she completely shut down and lay on the floor. He made a couple of wildly incorrect judgements about her behaviour, showing that he knows very little about ASD and he was surprised when I challenged him, after all I'm just the twit who looks after her 24 hours a day. As opposed to his 60 seconds' observation. At least he's on our side but I'm hoping he won't be a liability. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisa Report post Posted February 2, 2005 I'm not going to the meeting. The psychiatrist phoned and said he thought it was best if the "professionals" attend this, (as opposed to who, the amateurs??? ) Kathryn, I would be a bit cautious about this. You need to know everything that's discussed in this meeting. Call me cynical but I think if you're not there it'll give the LEA the opportunity to remind "the professionals" who pays their wages and they could also end up discussing what would be the best for your daughter budget wise rather than what she actually needs. Lisa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted February 2, 2005 (edited) Hi Lisa, I know that's a risk. But there will only be one person there from the enemy camp. I will get the minutes anyway and I will let it be known quite clearly that we are not about to be fobbed off with some cobbled together arrangement involving Home and hospital ed. and goodness knows what else. They know that we are writing our case statement as they speak and therefore we are serious. The onus will be on them to provide something which will convince us to withdraw from the tribunal. And whatever they come up with we will go through it with a fine toothcomb before we accept anything. K Edited February 2, 2005 by Kathryn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loulou Report post Posted February 2, 2005 Hi Kathryn, I would agree with Lisa about the meeting. From experience of the 3 professionals meetings that i attended, not everything said was included in the minutes. I took my Dad with me and he wrote down as much as he could. When we got the minutes, not all of the issues raised were in them. I know how you feel about not wanting to go though. I had to sit there for 2 hours looking at the smug face on the Head. I wanted to throw something at her, or stand up and scream obsenities at her! I needed quite a few stiff drinks after that! Good luck, Loulou x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted February 2, 2005 (edited) Hi I agree with Loulou about minutes...the same thing happened to us at a multi-agency meeting when Auriel was little But we were able to challenge the minutes and they were ammended. If one of you possibly can go I would recommend that you do. It's also a really good idea if someone can go with you to take notes, etc. Good luck <'> Bid Edited February 2, 2005 by bid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted February 2, 2005 Hi Katherine - Really glad to hear things are moving, and seem so positive... Now, not wanting to p*** on your bonfire, I've got to say I agree with the other cynical beggars who are urging you to get some sort of full independent record of what goes on... Don't know whether it's feasible, but if you feel you have some firm allies attending, perhaps you could ask one ( a teacher maybe) to take a dictaphone with them? Failing that, full note kept by someone you know well, in addition to the 'official' minutes. Whatever you do, Hope it all goes well... Will cross various bits on Tuesday... BD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elefan Report post Posted February 2, 2005 A dictaphone,....great idea, but some Jobsworth is bound to squawk 'Human Rights' issue's!!! Sad, but true! Elefan xx Good luck Kathryn!! Stay strong. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted February 3, 2005 Hi all, Thanks for your input. I see what you're saying - perhaps I am being too trusting. I still don't want to be there though. My brain is all in a fuzz these days: I wouldn't be coherent. In a funny sort of way I think the meeting might be more productive without us: certain people will come out more strongly on our side if we aren't there. I will keep reminding them of the salient points until Tuesday. I think I will try to get someone else to go as an observer, to take notes. You're a great bunch of cynics, what would I do without you? <'> Keep it up! I wish I'd known you all this time last year. K Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LKU Report post Posted February 3, 2005 Kathryn.Just want to say good luck,hope everything works out in your favour. lku xxx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisa Report post Posted February 5, 2005 I took a dictaphone to a multiagency meeting and told a little white lie. I said my husband couldn't make the meeting at the last minute and wanted to be able to listen. I quite casually said "I hope no one minds" and when the LEA officer looked a bit uncertain I said "I'm sure no one will be saying anything they wouldn't want anyone to hear!" And everyone agreed. Lisa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sylvm Report post Posted February 5, 2005 Kathryn - just wanted to say hope everything goes well on Tuesday - don't forget to let us know how it goes! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted February 5, 2005 (edited) Thanks all for your encouragement, Our Connexions worker who is a real gem, and has been putting pressure on behind the scenes, thinks the enemy is just about won over: i.e. that they will agree to assess and statement my daughter, whose needs are now even more obvious than when we started this process back in September. She will be at the meeting (the connexions worker, that is). So things are looking hopeful but we have to wait and see. We still have the tribunal to fall back on if nothing comes of Tuesday's meeting. That should focus their minds. Edited February 5, 2005 by Kathryn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barefoot wend Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Kathryn I was thinking about you in the night and really hoping everything goes well tomorrow. I've got a meeting with the Community Paediatrician tomorrow - they must have known it's my birthday - what a treat. I shall be keeping everything cossed for you and hoping to see you post some positive news. Best wishes Barefoot Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Everything is crossed!! Bidx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mossgrove Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Everything is crossed here too! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Me too! Nellie xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loulou Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Hi Kathryn, Good luck for tomorrow Have some wine tonight so you get some sleep, because if you're like me you'll be up all night! loulou x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bevalee Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Me too! Everything crossed Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Helen Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Good luck for tomorrow Kathryn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Aww, thanks everybody <'> <'> I don't think I'll need wine to help me sleep tonight, I am shattered! I'll post an update on here as soon as I can. Happy birthday for tomorrow, Barefoot K Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted February 7, 2005 All X'd here! Good luck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisa Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Good Luck for the meeting. Lisa Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oracle Report post Posted February 7, 2005 Thinking about you - Hope it goes well Carole Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barefoot wend Report post Posted February 9, 2005 Kathryn Have you heard any feedback with regard to Tuesday's meeting? Barefoot Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted February 9, 2005 Hi all, Apologies for not posting before. I seem to have caught a touch of the flu so have been feeling like grim death today. Anyway, about the meeting.. Basically all the professionals told the one lone jobsworth from the LEA that my daughter should be statemented, she has potential, she mustn't have her chances taken away from her. They watched the video which I made. So they said all the right things and put a lot of pressure on. The LEA Ed. Psychologist has come out very strongly in support and that counts for a lot. The LEA person, (the same one who was so horrible to me on the phone all those months ago) has asked for some updated info from Connexions and Camhs. Of course she couldn't make a decision on the spot, that would be far too easy But they are going to look at it again. (Heard that one before!) So things are moving slowly in our favour BUT we still have a case statement to prepare for the tribunal. That has to be in by 4th March. So whilst waiting for the LEA to finish their dithering, we still have to plod on with the process and in waiting for this meeting I've lost a bit of momentum in preparing for the appeal. It's looking increasingly unlikely that the LEA will oppose it, but after all we've been through, I don't trust them - until we get something in writing to say they are going to assess my daughter. I was hoping that's what we were going to get yesterday, then we could put the tribunal behind us and turn our minds to where exactly my daughter should go next. We are still waiting for input from the Adolescent outreach team - at last L. will see a real live autism specialist and after six months since her problems became apparent she might start to get therapy which is appropriate. So although it's looking hopeful, I'm far from being thrilled, because I'm tired of waiting and I want some action both on the education and health front. The meeting has changed nothing practically.I'm finding it difficult to hold things together at home. I feel like screaming down the phone at people but I don't want to destroy the support that has been achieved. Thanks for all your good wishes - I couldn't have got even this far but for the support of people who understand all the frustrations. So near yet so far.. K Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tez Report post Posted February 9, 2005 I'm really sorry that you are still having to try and sort this mess out and that Tuesday's meeting has still not given you any firm resolution. I'm glad that things sound more positive and will keep my fingers crossed that the LEA will agree to assess and that you don't need to go to appeal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barefoot wend Report post Posted February 9, 2005 Kathryn Sorry to hear you're not well - must be all you need right now. Obviously meeting on Tuesday didn't really resolve any major issues but looks like glimmer of hope in that your daughter has some supporters. I'm sure you just want it resolved. Waiting is so diificult. Keep chipping away at it. As you say, you're daughter obviously has huge potential and they will see that. Wishing you well (go to bed with a big box of tissues). Barefoot Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
