Good news

[annie]

Phew.......after all the meetings that we've had with the school and the LEA, it took just 30 minutes today for everything to be agreed.

 

We had a call from Parent Partnership 2 weeks ago asking if they should arrange a meeting with just them, us and the LEA SEN officer, no school and no IPSEA. We agreed because at the last meeting, the lovely IPSEA rep managed to scare the life out of the school and the LEA by quoting sections of the SEN Code of Practice in every sentence (it was great to watch) I spoke to the IPSEA rep to ask her advice before going into the meeting and she said to stick by the Parents Representation that she had helped us with (LEA and school had copies), and not to sign anything. We were amazed, as soon as we sat down at the meeting, the LEA said that she agreed to putting everything into the new statement that we had asked for We went through everything and sure enough she DID agree.

When we got to the placement, she agreed that the school placement had broken down and she had already contacted Education other than at school (which we had asked for) They will be contacting us ASAP.

 

When we spoke briefly about the (ex)school the LEA did say that she knew that certain staff members were acting 'underhandedly' with Alex. We had been told this by another school staff member months ago, but to hear somebody from the LEA actually say it as well, it still sickens us to think that Alex has gone through so much stress because of these people and everybody who could have put a stop to things didn't Once we have everything that has been agreed from today's meeting in writing a VERY angry letter of complaint from us will be arriving on a few desks.

 

Apart from writing that letter, we are over the moon with todays outcome. It's been an emotional roller-coaster, but we've done it. I would recommend to anyone who has had the problems that we've had to contact their MP and IPSEA. They have been brilliant. And of course my fantastic Krism(er) friends

 

Off to celebrate with a coffee and some choccy now

 

Annie

[bid]

Brilliant!

 

Well done Annie!!

 

Bid <'>

[oracle]

Go Annie Go Annie

 

Well done that Woman - Respect

 

Carole

[nellie]

Wonderful news.

 

A brilliant job well done!!

 

Nellie xx

[KarenT]

Fantastic news. Well done to you and your wonderful Parent Partnership woman, and good luck for the next stage.

 

Karen

x

[annie]

<'> <'> Thank you so much, I'm feeling pretty emotional this morning. It's really starting to sink in what we've actually achieved, especially after remembering how lots of people used to tell us we'd never get anywhere. Alex's SENCO at his old school (boy, did it feel good to write 'old school') told us we'd never get the LEA to assess Alex - we did, then he said we'd never get a statement - we did. He also told us Alex would never get a place in the ASD unit because he wasn't 'bad enough', once again Alex did get a place. If the SENCO felt like that what chance did Alex have with the rest of the school.........still, he's out of there now

 

I forgot yesterday but the LEA told us that Education Other Than At School group also work with the local gym. She said that it would be great if Alex could get involved with the gym too. We said that it would be a great idea as Alex has always wanted to go to a real gym, he's been lifting weights at home (he's 16 in September), but it will hopefully motivate him as well. Alex was really keen which is great because he has been feeling so low with depression.

 

The reason we asked for EOTAS was because when we came back from Australia 3 years ago, Alex was a part of it then. His behaviour improved and we had nothing but good reports from the tutors. He was in small learning groups and was like a different child. He has never coped in mainstream school here or in Australia so we felt that EOTAS was right for Alex.

 

Annie

<'> <'>

[Sallya]

Really pleased for you

xxx

 

[Minxygal]

###### well done