Flippin' LEA....

[smiley]

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

 

Little monkey was at daddys this weekend - when he was dropped off ex asked if i'd had the letter about M's annual review.

 

Nope i haven't. (Although LEA have my new address, via phone, via email, via registered letter, AND mentioned on the minutes of review....)

 

From what ex said - they've decided to leave his statement as is, with him in the same school he's in now - the annual review was brought forward because M is having such a horrible time at school, etc, etc. Some of you know the story with M and his schooling. Sorry, no energy to type it all now - but a move is definately needed.

 

Now i have to wait to see if letter turns up tomorrow - and see for myself what it says.

 

For tonight, i'll just cry and worry hopefully, tomorrow the fight will be back in me.

(The last battle with LEA ended in a breakdown for me, so i'm not looking forward to it .)

 

Gulp

[JsMum]

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

 

Little monkey was at daddys this weekend - when he was dropped off ex asked if i'd had the letter about M's annual review.

 

Nope i haven't. (Although LEA have my new address, via phone, via email, via registered letter, AND mentioned on the minutes of review....)

 

From what ex said - they've decided to leave his statement as is, with him in the same school he's in now - the annual review was brought forward because M is having such a horrible time at school, etc, etc. Some of you know the story with M and his schooling. Sorry, no energy to type it all now - but a move is definately needed.

 

Now i have to wait to see if letter turns up tomorrow - and see for myself what it says.

 

For tonight, i'll just cry and worry hopefully, tomorrow the fight will be back in me.

(The last battle with LEA ended in a breakdown for me, so i'm not looking forward to it .)

 

Gulp

 

 

 

Just remember the LEA make it this hard in hope you will have a breakdown, and give up for ever.

 

so no giving up, the rest I agree with, many tears have landed on my pillow.

 

we are gathering all the last 5 years of assessments, letters, reports, annual reviews ready for our battle to get the right provision for J so I do understand how difficult it is and our battle has only begun, but I am absaloutly sure that the fight will be worth it all, at the end of the day I have nothing at all to loose.

 

JsMum

[Deedee]

Hi Smiley sounds like your LEA needs a kick up the butt...thats appalling,how can you agree or disagree with anything when they haven't even sent you a copy??

What sort of provision do you have at the moment and is the school actually doing it all? Reason I'm asking is last year my M was reassessed completely and although all his levels had fallen and he was clearly struggling at his present school he wasn't moved because *and I've only just found this out* apparently the LEA thought the school wasn't pulling their weight and doing all they should be doing for my boy...(you don't say...)so they left him there to make the school pull their socks up...

Just wondering if this may be the reason?

[Bagpuss]

Oh Smiley <'> <'>

 

Thinking of you x

[Clare63]

Smiley, sounds like you could have another fight on your hands, as you say "flippin' LEA"

I appreciate its hard right now, but you will be able to fight again and we are all here to support you.

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

 

Clare x x x x

[Kazzen161]

Call the LEA and get them to e-mail you a copy of the letter. If you need to appeal, there are time limits.

 

Hopefully I will see you tomorrow night at the talk.

[Kathryn]

Smiley,

 

 

I hope you get a copy of the letter soon: it's better to know for sure what you're up against.

 

<'> <'>

 

K x

[smiley]

I've emailed - nuffink.

 

I've called - nuffink (in a meeting my......ar*e!)

 

I've been to old house - no letter there for me.

 

I'm very tempted to drive up to LEA man.......... 'spect he'll be in a meeting...

 

I've asked ex to bring around his copy.

 

I've eaten too many biccies

[smiley]

(Ps - see you tonight K <'>, you might have to come and find me - i probably wont spot you in the crowds, brains fried <'> )

[smiley]

No reply to emails - not in when i call - no copy of letter from m's dad.

 

Why the hell do i find this so hard? I can manage with ease being an IPS for other families, AOW for pre-schools, and can go into any meeting without a worry in the world - i can help run a bl00dy support groupd for god sake - why the hell can't i do it for my own son - why am i such a sh*t mother? I know i'm not the only one to struggle with this cr*p, i don't know what to do, or where to start - my mind goes totally blank and i can't see anything rationally. My poor boy is missing out because i can't get my act together - stupid woman.

Edited February 26, 2008 by smiley

[Bagpuss]

Smiley, your not a pooh mum <'>

[elun1]

<'> <'> <'> Hi Smiley

You are doing a brilliant job - you 're not seeing it like that as you're tired and stressed. Also it's always easier to keep a clear mind when you're dealing with other families/children who aren't yours. I find this too. I am calm and efficient at work when teaching a class of Year 4 children or carrying out senco role but within 5 minutes of getting home here I'm a nervous wreck (and I'm not joking!)

Take care, love Elun xxx

[Kazzen161]

You know why it is harder when it is your own child. You are not emotionally involved when it is someone else's child - it is more like a job. Remember what the man said last night - about being able to advise other people how to manage challenging behaviour, but not being able to always do the right thing with his own children.

 

When you say the LEA person is out - have you asked his assistant/secretary/minion to send you a copy of the letter? They should be able to look on the file and see what has happened (at least until the LEA man realises and hides the file!). Also, would the school have a copy?

[Kathryn]

No reply to emails - not in when i call - no copy of letter from m's dad.

 

Why the hell do i find this so hard? I can manage with ease being an IPS for other families, AOW for pre-schools, and can go into any meeting without a worry in the world - i can help run a bl00dy support groupd for god sake - why the hell can't i do it for my own son - why am i such a sh*t mother? I know i'm not the only one to struggle with this cr*p, i don't know what to do, or where to start - my mind goes totally blank and i can't see anything rationally. My poor boy is missing out because i can't get my act together - stupid woman.

 

No Smiley, he's missing out because the ###### LEA can't get it's act together. You're not a bad mother - you''re already doing stuff way beyond what is expected of most parents. Don't be hard on yourself.

 

And I'm the same - objective and calm and organised when it comes to supporting others, and totally frazzled by all kinds of emotions when I have to deal with any situation involving L.

 

I hope you get that letter soon - somehow!

 

<'>

 

K x

[smiley]

Feel silly for having a strop now - I'm sorry. Still struggling here (couldn't utter a word yesterday - no sound coming out. emails help, so thank you, and keep them coming, even if it is just silly jokes - lol xxxxx)

 

I've spoken to school - senco is only in on a friday, so if she has post, chances are i wont find out till then . Still no further with LEA (man or secretary), letter from ex still not arrived - though it should do today.

 

Did speak to teacher/head. Apparently they recieved a letter from LEA man within a couple of weeks of the annual review - upping M's hours, taking him above full-time ?? Apparently, it's because he needs 2:1 support if he really looses it or runs. It does say on the letter the extra funding is 'until a suitable placement is found'. Teacher & head havn't heard of that one before - so they feel it's very unlikely that he will be kept with them....

 

But saying that - can't trust an LEA man as far as you can throw him........................

[Karen A]

Smiley <'> <'> I hope you get some news soon.You are doing a great job.Karen.

[Kazzen161]

Have replied to your e-mail, but I don't understand it now you say that his hours have been increased and they are looking at changing the placement. Does it recommend this in the Review Report?

 

Have you got the direct dial number for the LEA man? (and don't forget to use 1471 so he doesn't know it's you calling ).

[smiley]

Review report ---- is this the one written by the school, after annual review, or is it from LEA? If school, i have it and it says M needs a different, specialist placement - and does request that his hours go up in the intrem......... but then there's that letter which seems to be opposite

 

See why i'm so muddled!

 

Not sure if it's direct dial number sometimes LEA man answers - sometimes a flakey. Can't do talking on the phone anyway at the moment . Silly moo that i am.

 

Oh help

[Bagpuss]

Smiley <'> <'> <'>

[elun1]

<'> <'> Smiley. Im confused too - if it's report from what took place at annual review and you dont agree with it you have a right of appeal.

Elun xxxxx

[Kazzen161]

Review report ---- is this the one written by the school, after annual review, or is it from LEA? If school, i have it and it says M needs a different, specialist placement - and does request that his hours go up in the intrem......... but then there's that letter which seems to be opposite

 

Yes, it is written by the school after the review. In which case it seems like the LEA are saying that they have agreed to the recommendations in the Review report, but are not actually rewriting the Statement. As they are major changes, it seems a bit odd not to rewrite the Statement, but they may be waiting to do so once a new placement is agreed. I am not sure if you are able to go to appeal if they don't actually rewrite the Statement - it would be worth checking with ipsea (though it will usually say in the LEA letter that you can appeal, if you can). They will have to amend the Statement once a new school is found.

[Kathryn]

Whatever has been promised, even if it's in writing, you can only appeal when the LEA actually amend the statement. With the amended statement you get the LEA letter with the legal stuff telling you about your right of appeal.

 

If I'm understanding you correctly, they have increased his support - the statement should have been amended then - what are they playing at??!

 

<'> <'>

 

K x

[smiley]

Got my letter today - a week after ex got his............

They have added the extra hours - and that's it. They are not going to change statement, although extra dx's have been added. I have no right of appeal. Spoke to senco - who managed to get hold of LEA top dog for me - no one else would speak to her. M's case has been passed onto the boss of LEA man. LEA man's boss made the decision.

School feel that as it is very clear M needed the priory school (LEA one was obviously not going to meet his needs - and i could have easily proven that) they have been sneaky, and the case has been taken on by the boss-lea-person.

This is despite letters from me, OT, pychiatrist, pead, school, EP & camhs all saying he needs specialist placement. And LEA man agreeing with us during annual review meeting.

Whilst senco was talking too me - M was sitting in the Library at school - rocking on the beanbag, crying and scratching his face. He had to be taken to the library because he was trying to find scissors/rulers/anything sharp to cut himself. They didn't know what had set him off - but probably just because assemblies different on a Friday.

Two years of fighting - just to find out they're going to let my little boy sink anyway. And his mum with him. What chance have we got. Just want to walk away - and take him with me.

[Bagpuss]

Smiley, I've got a huge lump in my throat, and wish you were closer. I so want to give you the biggest hug or do something practical to help.

 

I don't know what to say that will make what has happened better.

 

It's disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful.

 

<'> <'> <'> cyber hugs seem so inadequate

[justamum]

smiley, write to your MP. If all around are saying your child should have a place at a specialised school and the LEA won't agree let your MP slog it out with them

[Deedee]

Smiley I just don't even know where to begin to say how sorry I am..The only thing I can think of too is to go as high as you can go MP's and local councillors should help for starters.

 

Dee XX

[Flora]

Hi Smiley <'> <'>

 

I was just thinking, could you formally request they make a re-assessment of your ds's needs?

 

At least then if you make a parental request, they would surely have to respond to it with a right to appeal.

 

I completely share your frustration. these people are masters of dealing with smoke and mirrors and seem to be hell bent on not doing the right thing, their only aim is to save the authority money.

 

Flora XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[bikergal]

That's so unfair.

 

<'> <'> <'>

[hev]

smiley <'> <'> only just seen this thread,sorry <'>

 

you are not a bad mum,you are a fantastic mum,these people who are meant to help us like our c*** LEAS are disgusting,by not returning my calls,dealing with things when they should have done,changing there minds about things,they have reduced me to tears and despair on many occasions but from the times i have met you and spoke to you on the phone i know that you will get through this and start fighting again,at the moment you are drained and worn out like i used to get but you know that you are a strong lady and get your fighting spirit back

 

times like this i do wish i lived round the corner,it does seem inadequate like baggy says sending a cyber hug but we are here for you just as youve been here for us many times <'> <'>

 

your username is smiley,we will get you smiling again

[Deedee]

I'm currently reading through so many documents I don't know which one I've just read it in but I'm sure it said if there were any ammendments to a statement then it can be appealed..Can anyone verify this? Might help Smiley out meanwhile I'll try and find where I read it.

[Kathryn]

Yes, if the statement is formallyamended this triggers the right of appeal. But from what Smiley says, they have refused to amend the statement even though there have been changes in amount of support.

 

I don't understand how they can add the dx's and hours as you say they have, and not amend the statement properly. This has to be unlawful. Do get advice on this when you feel strong enough, Smiley.

 

<'>

 

K x

[Suze]

Oh smiley this is awful , just want to send you and your boy some hugs <'> , your a lovely mum remember that <'>

[Flora]

You know, reading through this again a few times got me wondering and

 

The LEA's are the very people who are in charge of education. They are, after schools, a primary point of contact when our children are having ANY sort or level of difficulty. And yet all they seem to do is make things intollerably difficult and I reckon for lots of us have caused parents and carers more stress than their kids could do in a life time. And in some cases like for Smiley's son, and my Bill and likely countless others, they damage the child directly by forcing them into situations without the proper intervention and support that they need. Then when as parents we draw a line and say 'no more', remove our kids from the damaging situation they accuse us of being uncoperative or obstructive!

 

Smiley, we're all here for you. It does sound like you have a fight on your hands but you can do it hun, you will find the strength and you have lots of people here who are right behind you.

 

Love flora XXX

[Karen A]

Smiley <'> <'> <'> I just spotted your news and am very sad and frustrated for you.Karen.

[smiley]

Thank you all <'> <'>

 

I've been hiding so have only just come back to the thread - feel like i've been hit by a mallet, can't sit still, can't sleep, horrible headache and i'm so flippin' stimmy, i'm even annoying myself!

 

My wonderful, fantastic, friend N has been ringing around lots of places for me and has found one group who: 1) Answer their bloomin' phone! And 2) be able to come out to my house and go through all this cr*p with me.

Hasn't happened yet - so still holding my breath, but to have someone in the know, actually come to my house and help will be fantastic. I'm fine with people face to face - but cannot phone someone i don't know, especially if i'm this stressed. Their words get jumbled up, don't make sense and i get so confused.

Thank you also N, i may need a latte! <'>

F - thank you xxx

 

K - it is very, very unlawful -

 

The trick now will be to get them to amend stat - so i can appeal. Just so horribly frustrating..

I called Head of special school LEA were going to suggest. Head had told LEA the week before, that he wouldn't be able to meet M's needs. There are no other LEA provisions within county or nearby that can, other than this LEA School. It was most definately heading towards Priory (as i had been led to believe).

 

Seems LEA didn't like that idea...........................

 

We had already haggled out that mainstream was not suitable...

 

So for them to go back on alllllllll this

[Suze]

<'> ..............oh hun hugs comin your way

[Flora]

Hugs from me too smiley <'> <'> <'>

 

Your LEA by refusing to ammend the statement are effectively denying you your statutory right to appeal. I don't know how they can get a way with this. I wish I knew who you could turn to in order to order them to issue and ammended statement with a right of appeal.

 

Flora XXXX

[Clare63]

Awwww Smiley, just caught back up with your thread, this is so awful, I am not surprised you feel the way you do, but you gotta keep going Hun and fight for your wee man.

 

<'> <'> <'>

Clare x x x

 

I am going to pm you some details of a talk by a chief lawyer who represents children with special educational needs in Woking next week, if you think its a load of rubbish just ignore it.

[Bagpuss]

Smiley <'> <'> <'>

[baddad]

Hiya -

 

sorry, I'm really late to this... I don't come into 'education' much as it's all a bit complicated for me, but:

 

Looking back through the posts -

They've changed the dx (new dx added), and changed the support hours(?)... Surely that means they've amended the statement? ANY additional wording to the old statement is an amendment, surely? And if they've 'added' new dx's then they've 'added' the evidence of those new dx's -which are further amendments.

I thought any changes had to be presented as 'proposed amended statement' to the parent for agreement, and they couldn't proceed until either agreement was reached or they 'enforced' the changes giving the parent right of appeal?

 

I think in your position I would be writing to the 'boss man' and asking what constitutes 'amendments', because if new medical evidence in the form of additional co-morbids and changes to support needs aren't What Is? And if these are amendments to the statement than it can't be finalised until you've agreed it/and or disputed it and requested an appeal...

 

I may be talking out of my hat, so if so apologies, but from my position of ignorance and 'outsider' ( ) it would seem more profitable to tackle these 'definitions' of what constitutes an amendment in any event, because that's what you've got to push for at the next stage - you can't appeal if they don't amend, and if you wantr them to amend you've got to know what to present to them(?)

 

Hope that's helpful

 

L&P

 

BD