gothschild Report post Posted June 16, 2008 Hi, I have just had a phone conversation with an education officer who has basically dangled one large carrot in front of me! We are currently under going assessment for a statement and this went to panel last week. The panel feel that they can offer my son the place and support he needs in a specialist ASD unit starting from September without a statement BUT I've got to sign a Parenting contract. Am I happy? NO! I asked everything I could think of which would have a negative outcome for my son and he has had an answer for each worry I have raised! Yes I can still ask for an assessment while he is there, yes he will be reveiwed each year, yes he will get the same support offered to him without the statement, he will not be returned to mainstream without a proper review and yes transport is included. OMG what a complete pain in the ..... this is. I am going to get as much advice as I can and thrash this out, what a nightmare! HELP!!! gothschild x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JsMum Report post Posted June 16, 2008 Hi I would personally not sign it, your son has a disability/mental health problems, and the school should not behaving in this manner, keep all letters and threats and go throw to assessment for statement, if its turned down then go to apeals, if your son has done nothing wrong then he doesnt need to be on a contract, Ive agreed to a Action Plan, not a contract, the school can still help you, the EWD can still support you, but the contract is not nessasary in your case if your sons behaviour is related to his special needs. Go for the statement, he needs this the most, not a pathetic parenting contract! JsMum Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Karen A Report post Posted June 16, 2008 Hi, I have just had a phone conversation with an education officer who has basically dangled one large carrot in front of me! We are currently under going assessment for a statement and this went to panel last week. The panel feel that they can offer my son the place and support he needs in a specialist ASD unit starting from September without a statement BUT I've got to sign a Parenting contract. Am I happy? NO! I asked everything I could think of which would have a negative outcome for my son and he has had an answer for each worry I have raised! Yes I can still ask for an assessment while he is there, yes he will be reveiwed each year, yes he will get the same support offered to him without the statement, he will not be returned to mainstream without a proper review and yes transport is included. OMG what a complete pain in the ..... this is. I am going to get as much advice as I can and thrash this out, what a nightmare! HELP!!! gothschild x Hi.I think the carrot is not a good deal. If you do not have a Statement then there is no legal right or process for you to challenge the LEA later if they decide to change the decision. I may be wrong but I thought parenting contracts were written commitments signed by parents regarding what they will do....nothing to do with what the LEA will commit to provide regarding SEN.Also I thought they were usually used in cases where behaviour or parenting were issues....rather than as part of SEN provision. One exception might be where the SEN were mainly with regard to emotional and behavioural difficulties. It would certainly not be a good idea to agree to anything put to you in a phone conversation....ask for a copy of the proposed Statement or written confirmation that a Statement is not being offered so that you can decide what to do next....probably appeal. In the current situation the LEA could ''forgett'' all knowledge of the phone conversation later. Karen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Karen A Report post Posted June 16, 2008 Hi again. I just read your other post.It is worth clarifying with the LEA what the contract is...if it is a parenting contract then the answer above may be helpful. I have not come across a contract of SEN before....and suspect it is a new scheme for the LEA to avoid issueing Statements. If anyone here knows more then I am willing to be corrected. Karen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JsMum Report post Posted June 16, 2008 (edited) mistake Edited June 16, 2008 by JsMum Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JsMum Report post Posted June 16, 2008 (edited) Hi I have dug out my book that I had before I moved, here is what is said about Parenting Contract. Entering into a parenting contract following a pupils exclusion from, or Misbehaviour at school or Truency under section 19 of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 (GB and LAs) A quote I highlighted. These measures will help parents to fulfil their responisbilities! Page 7. Special Educational Needs Behaviour and attendance problems could in some instances, relate to a childs special educational needs, School governing bodies have a statutory duty to use their best endeavours to ensure that the necessary provision is made for any pupil who has a SEN, LAs have specific duties in relation of identifying, assessin and making provision for pupils with SEN, including those with Behavioural, social and emotional needs. Satutory guaidance on identifying, assessing and making provision for pupils with SEN including those with behavioural, social and emotional needs is given in the special educational needs cod of practice, schools and LAs must have regard to this guidance. Before proceeding to make a parenting contract, apply for a parenting order or issue a penalty notice schools and LAs should consider whether behaviour and attendance problems related to a pupils special educational needs. 17. Parenting Contracts, parenting orders and penalty notices are not and should not be used as alternatives to taking appropriate action to meet a pupils special educational needs. Overview of a parent contract. A parenting contract is a formal written agreement between a parent and either the LA or the govening body of the school and should contain. A Statement by the parent that they agree to comply for a specified period with whatever requirements are specified in the contract and. So this could be attendance for 14 days, No lateness, No verbal Abuse, No behavioural difficulties, No hitting others ect..... A statement by the LA or govening body agreeing to provide support to the parent for the purpose of complying with the contract. Parenting contracts can be used in cases of misbehaviour or irregular attendance at school or Alternative provision. Entry to a parent contract is VOLUNTARY the parent cannout be compelled to enter into a PC and there is obligation on the LA or GB to offer one. When can a PC be offered. A parenting contract may be offered In cases where pupils fail to attend regularly9 at school at which he is registered or the alternative provision made for him. where a child is excluded from school whether for a fixed period or permantly or as an early intervention in response to emerging behaviour problems. NoTe that the 9 on the end of regularly is if its Unathorised, if you can proove that your son has been school refusal because of his SENs then this could be used as evidence if the LA tried to send you to court. The full book is called Guidance On Education related Parenting Contracts, Parenting Orders and penalty Notices. Its a very insightful book and states ther real law on what is Law and what is not, in some cases the LEA are making parents of SEN kids pay fines when the parent hasnt even broken the Law in the first place. www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications I will try and do a direct link to this book as it is a very important to read before going into a contract. Here is a sample of a PC http://www.dfes.gov.uk/schoolattendance/up...ontract%202.doc The leaflet the LEA give to parents http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/schoolattendance/up...Parents2007.pdf Found it on download, http://www.dfes.gov.uk/behaviourandattenda...20Parenting.pdf JsMum Edited June 16, 2008 by JsMum Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gothschild Report post Posted June 16, 2008 Hi, I can't do anything until I see this 'contract', what a load of .... I am sick of having to deal with all of this mind blowing craziness. I can't sign something that doesn't have any legal binding it could be the biggest mistake of my life and I can't deal with putting him through more stress and unhappiness. I'd be lying if I didn't say that its tempting, as a way to get him into this school, but once he is there, I fear that I will have no way of making them give him what he needs and it could all go so very wrong. I think I will ask them if he has been denied a statement first, get proof and then take it from there because I don't know where we stand with that. I'm off to phone J's SENCO now. AAAAAAAAH! Thanks for the help! gothschild x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Karen A Report post Posted June 16, 2008 Hi, I can't do anything until I see this 'contract', what a load of .... I am sick of having to deal with all of this mind blowing craziness. I can't sign something that doesn't have any legal binding it could be the biggest mistake of my life and I can't deal with putting him through more stress and unhappiness. I'd be lying if I didn't say that its tempting, as a way to get him into this school, but once he is there, I fear that I will have no way of making them give him what he needs and it could all go so very wrong. I think I will ask them if he has been denied a statement first, get proof and then take it from there because I don't know where we stand with that. I'm off to phone J's SENCO now. AAAAAAAAH! Thanks for the help! gothschild x Hi.It may be tempting to agree to the contract as a way of obtaining the school place....but please do look at the long term. We obtained a fairly solid statement with full time support two years ago for Ben. We have had an up hill struggle to obtain appropriate support in practice...but at least we have the statement and school and the LEA are aware of that fact.Karen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flora Report post Posted June 16, 2008 Have they actually said why they want to impose this contract on you? I wouldn't sign anything untill you know every single permeatation of this; and even when you know do not sign unless there is a compelling reason why you should. Accessing special education for your child is not a reason to sign such a contract. My LEA tried to get me to sign a contract when my son was having home tuition due to being signed off sick. I was in the process of taking the LEA to tribunal; I point blank refused to sign anything because I knew it was their way of trying to make me look like a 'problem parent'. In the end they caved and they continued with his home tution withou me signing anything.... I also went on to win the tribunal. Unless they have a good reason and documented evidence of that reason (eg, you failing to meet your duty as a parent in supporting your child's education) they have no right to do this. Be very wary. Flora Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cat Report post Posted June 16, 2008 (edited) When you have seen the contract - ask them for a copy and time to think - ring these people (they are one of the solicitors that IPSEA use and their number is on their website) and ask them what their advice re this contact would be. You can have a half hour phone call free of charge and these bods really are the business. Hope this helps. Cat Edited June 16, 2008 by baddad Hi cat/all - I've deleted the direct link as it contravenes forum rules. Gothschild (or any other interested parties) please PM CAT for details. - BD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gothschild Report post Posted June 16, 2008 Hi, They haven't told me why they want me to go with this contract, my parenting skills are not an issue and J has been to school everyday without fail, without exclusion, he hasn't any truancy and has not seriously attacked anyone, so when I asked the education officer if it was because it was the cheapest route into the school, he said no, it was the quickest route. J's SENCO said that the school was actually an expensive choice for the LA because of the high levels of support that the pupils get academically, socially and emotionally and she seems to think its a good idea to go with the contract. Parent partnership (impartial advice) say don't do it, its not going to help if his needs change (my main concern) they are coming to my home to go through this parenting contract with me. I'm going to ring the officer tomorrow to see if the statutory assessment has been denied and if so why? I will be waiting by the door mat for the next few days, for the contract to arrive, I need to see this for myself! gothschild x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cat Report post Posted June 16, 2008 No probs BD Gothschild I have pm'd you. Cat Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puffin Report post Posted June 16, 2008 I think it sounds very dubious and likely the LEA are trying to weedle out of giving you a legally binding statement. Also it would seem that the LEA are trying - in some way - to get you to sign a document that states that your child's difficulties are due to your parenting rather than SEN. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gothschild Report post Posted June 17, 2008 Here we go again, The panel have decided not to carry out a statutory assessment on my son and I am to be offered this contract in its place! The education officer told me that I am wrong in thinking that this was a parenting contract and that infact it was completly different. This contract is something being used in my area only? This (not a parenting)contract is supposed to be enough to cover my sons emotional, social and educational needs and it has absolutely no connection to my parenting skills and I am not be held, in anyway responsible for his behaviour. He told me that we no longer need a statement to get him into the ASD unit of our choice and that due to the unit recieving extra funding from the LEA they are now able to offer all of this support to him without the full assessment, confused yet? I am! I have spoke to the NAS Advocacy for Education and have arranged to ring her with the details of this contract, and the lady from Parent Patnership is coming out to go over it too when it arrives as is J'S SENCO.I'm still trying to arrange a visit to the unit as I have a long list of questions, but the head of the unit was not available today, so I will ring again tomorrow. (I'm getting a bit paranoid I'm pretty sure these people hide from me!) Actually if anyone can think of some questions, I should be asking, please let me know as my brain is beginning to turn to mush and I'm bound to forget something, I am well fed up! Thanks gothschild x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Karen A Report post Posted June 17, 2008 Hi.I can only think of one question worth asking....does the contract have the same legal status as a Statement ? If the LEA cannot demonstrate that it does..which I cannot see they will be able to then other questions are not relevant. It would be worth contacting IPSEA to discuss the contact with them.They have a helpline although it is busy at times they are very good.Karen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Karen A Report post Posted June 17, 2008 http://www.ipsea.org.uk/ The link above will take you to the IPSEA website.Karen. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gothschild Report post Posted June 20, 2008 Hi, Still no sign of the 'contract', the post must be awful slow here or its gone via India. I did manage to speak to head of the ASD unit and she told me that this definately was not a parenting contract and that it is something that is being used by our LEA to meet the needs of some children. I am still dubious and dont know what to do but I feel a little less panicky about the situation. I will let you know how it goes and thanks for all the help you have given! gothschild x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
julieann Report post Posted July 1, 2008 (edited) Hi again. I just read your other post.It is worth clarifying with the LEA what the contract is...if it is a parenting contract then the answer above may be helpful. I have not come across a contract of SEN before....and suspect it is a new scheme for the LEA to avoid issueing Statements. If anyone here knows more then I am willing to be corrected. Karen. Hi Karen A, "and suspect it is a new scheme for the LA to avoid issuing statements" You are correct and there's more. I have been a teaching assistant at all girls secondary school supporting two pupils with ASD's for the last three years. Youv'e probably read some of my postings/rantings. Were a "no SEN here" school. The head in her wisdom and because non of the teaching staff wanted the position has employed a senco with: no teaching experience (minimum of 3 yrs required) no SEN knowledge ( thinks she's discovered naughty children syndrome) no qualifications ( she sat her GCE English this week because she doesn't have required grade C or above) The head has just realised that statemented pupils no longer bring funding to the school and no longer wants the pupils at the school. She has got together with the senco and decided that my pupil no longer needs her 7.5hrs weekly support because she is doing so well academically. They don't seem to realise that her needs are more than academic. She is very mature and if there is any kind of a problem she comes to find me and we can usually sort it out. They don't seem to realise that if they take that support away she will not cope so well academically. Her mum is very upset at being told her daughter no longer needs a statement and the senco is telling anyone who will listen that after 10 yrs on a statement she has finally got xxxxx off it as though it's some kind of an achievement. My point being that this contract is also being used to persuade parents of statemented pupils that their child will get a better deal in school without a statement. My pupil was off school ill last week and they took the contract papers round to her house for the parent to sign. Just spotted your comment "does the contract have the same legal status as a Statement ?" My understanding is that it is equivalent to SA+ (school action plus). Julieann Edited July 1, 2008 by julieann Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
