son excluded! school send tutor?

[jordansmum33ok]

I actually feel a bit ######..

At his previous placement/unit.. which he attended for 3 yrs i was told he was doing

better.. he improved dramatically in his reading caught up by 18months etc..

 

his IEP was always the same. basically since age 5.. but none the less he went everyday

did have some exclusions but school said he had different triggers.. too many..

I attended every meeting.. there was many, hence why didnt realise the "ANNUAL" one.. was the "annual statement review"

 

Its only now.. since he changed units in Sept to a secondery school unit that i realise his needs was not really met/addressed.. he was just going

through the system..

 

to me i was just relieved that he had lasted at a school without being permentantly excluded.. no threat of petitions by angry parents.. and staff threating to go on strike.. due to health an safety..

 

i feel sad that i have now let him down

going to fight now and double check everything..

 

if i hadnt come on here i would have had no idea of his rights etc.. so big big thanks to all x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Karen A]

I actually feel a bit ######..

At his previous placement/unit.. which he attended for 3 yrs i was told he was doing

better.. he improved dramatically in his reading caught up by 18months etc..

 

his IEP was always the same. basically since age 5.. but none the less he went everyday

did have some exclusions but school said he had different triggers.. too many..

I attended every meeting.. there was many, hence why didnt realise the "ANNUAL" one.. was the "annual statement review"

 

Its only now.. since he changed units in Sept to a secondery school unit that i realise his needs was not really met/addressed.. he was just going

through the system..

 

to me i was just relieved that he had lasted at a school without being permentantly excluded.. no threat of petitions by angry parents.. and staff threating to go on strike.. due to health an safety..

 

i feel sad that i have now let him down

going to fight now and double check everything..

 

if i hadnt come on here i would have had no idea of his rights etc.. so big big thanks to all x

 

 

<'> <'> <'> Hi.Please don't feel that you have let him down.It sounds like you have done everything you could have done.Karen.

 

[jordansmum33ok]

<'> <'> <'> Hi.Please don't feel that you have let him down.It sounds like you have done everything you could have done.Karen.

 

thanks Karen,

<'>

[Sally44]

I just wanted to second that.

You haven't let him down.

As parents we somehow have to navigate our way through the maze of systems and procedures with no instructions or support from anyone.

It took me about 3 years to realise that if I wanted anything to happen and make a change for the better future for my son that I thought he was capable of, that I would have to become involved and oversee the whole thing like a project manager!

As you are now finding yourself, people don't talk to eachother or pass on information, or check things. And when things are not working everyone starts to point the finger to someone else.

Make sure you put everything in writing and copy those relevant professionals in so that they have no excluse that they did not know.

And make sure you do have some professional to support you through this. And when you know your rights (and more importantly the rights your child's rights) just be firm and don't agree to anything less than what it will take to make it work. There is no point agreeing to anything less. Once your child is supported at a level that he can begin to be successful in his attempts, and he recognises that, he will become more confident and more able and willing to cope in that environment. It is worth all the time and effort it takes.

Regarding the review. Can they carry out an annual review without you even if it should be an emergency review?

[Karen A]

Regarding the review. Can they carry out an annual review without you even if it should be an emergency review?

 

Hi.I don't know.

There is I think an obligation under the COP to invite parents to a review whether emergency or AR.

I am not sure there is anything to prevent the AR going ahead if parents are unwilling or unable to attend.

It would be worth asking KIDS or NAS .Karen.

 

[Karen A]

Hi again.I have found the information.

COP 9:3-9:18.

The head teacher should invite parents to attend the AR and should write to them to invite them to submit written views for the AR.However _

 

Where a parent does not respond to invitations to

contribute in writing to the review, or to attend a review meeting, this should be recorded

in the review report together with any reasons given.

So it appears that as long as this information is recorded in the report the AR could go ahead.

[Karen A]

Hi.I thought it worth saying.If the AR goes ahead and whatever the outcome I think it should still be possible to request a re-assessment of SEN.As long as a re-assessment has not been done in the previous six months the LA would have to consider the request.If the LA refused to conduct a reasessment then they would have to notify you regarding your right to appeal to SENDIST.

So even if the AR goes ahead and no amendments are made to the Statement all may not be lost.

[Sally44]

I thought that this review was supposed to be an emergency review? That is why I wondered how the parents can object to the fact that the LA seem to be suggesting it is just a typical AR?

[Karen A]

I thought that this review was supposed to be an emergency review? That is why I wondered how the parents can object to the fact that the LA seem to be suggesting it is just a typical AR?

 

It was..Karen.

 

[jordansmum33ok]

I thought that this review was supposed to be an emergency review? That is why I wondered how the parents can object to the fact that the LA seem to be suggesting it is just a typical AR?

 

thanks Sally.. things feel bit better today.

 

The annual reveiw date had been set but i have requested an emergency one as May 4th is few weeks off plus i think LEA have to attend or normally

attend if its an emergency one rather than just the annual one..

 

Tomorrow i can call parent partnership and kids as im really hoping they can attend with me.

 

Everything has been passed to the other unit

this description..

 

The .............provides assessment and tuition for 40 Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils with a variety of needs. The majority of pupils have been permanently excluded from their mainstream school for persistent disruptive behaviour. All pupils may or may not have additional learning needs. Many of the pupils have been identified as having behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. Some pupils have statements of special educational needs.

 

Pupils at The .........are currently unable to access mainstream education. It is hoped that they will eventually be able to access a mainstream setting.

 

Tutor today took copies of the letters into the new"head"..

so she is aware too, i did say that im not complaining about her but the way prev unit has acted.

 

Jordan worked with her today and this really helped

she said in all his education it seems that they have seen his emiotionally/behavioural problems as his core difficulties

when in fact she can see its Aspergers as the core difficulty

 

today she asked him to put it in the back of his mind that he needs to do some work with her

ie math/english etc.. he said "i normally put it here at the front"

touched his head

she then explained what she meant by that.. he nodded and said ok

 

i then said did you understand.. he said yes "she wants me to put it at the back of my head" here he said and touched back of his head

 

tutor is thinking he has sensory overload .. i gently scrathed my table and he almost shreiked

 

she said its a "new" condition which apparently is now recognised.. any ideas?

 

i do actually feel she is helping and im working with her..

tutor said he needs to get the right school for him .. none of the units will be right for him.

 

 

must say his behaviour at home is so much better at the moment.. although he still doesnot sleep

he is actually happy

 

thanks for all your help everyone <'>

 

 

 

 

[Karen A]

Hi.I hope you are able to make some progress today during your brief phone call making slot.

It sounds like the tutor is helpful.I hope she is listened to and is able to document her views.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/educatio...on-1684039.html

I read this in the independent this morning and thought I would post a link.It may not be much of a consolation but at least it shows that you are not the only parent with problems over five day suspension.Karen.

[Karen A]

thanks Sally.. things feel bit better today.

 

The annual reveiw date had been set but i have requested an emergency one as May 4th is few weeks off plus i think LEA have to attend or normally

attend if its an emergency one rather than just the annual one..

 

Tomorrow i can call parent partnership and kids as im really hoping they can attend with me.

 

Everything has been passed to the other unit

this description..

 

The .............provides assessment and tuition for 40 Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils with a variety of needs. The majority of pupils have been permanently excluded from their mainstream school for persistent disruptive behaviour. All pupils may or may not have additional learning needs. Many of the pupils have been identified as having behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. Some pupils have statements of special educational needs.

 

Pupils at The .........are currently unable to access mainstream education. It is hoped that they will eventually be able to access a mainstream setting.

 

Tutor today took copies of the letters into the new"head"..

so she is aware too, i did say that im not complaining about her but the way prev unit has acted.

 

Jordan worked with her today and this really helped

she said in all his education it seems that they have seen his emiotionally/behavioural problems as his core difficulties

when in fact she can see its Aspergers as the core difficulty

 

today she asked him to put it in the back of his mind that he needs to do some work with her

ie math/english etc.. he said "i normally put it here at the front"

touched his head

she then explained what she meant by that.. he nodded and said ok

 

i then said did you understand.. he said yes "she wants me to put it at the back of my head" here he said and touched back of his head

 

tutor is thinking he has sensory overload .. i gently scrathed my table and he almost shreiked

 

she said its a "new" condition which apparently is now recognised.. any ideas?

 

i do actually feel she is helping and im working with her..

tutor said he needs to get the right school for him .. none of the units will be right for him.

 

 

must say his behaviour at home is so much better at the moment.. although he still doesnot sleep

he is actually happy

 

thanks for all your help everyone <'>

 

Hi again.I think the sensory overload that the tutor is describing may be where an individual has difficulty integrating information from the senses [vision,smell,hearing,touch etc].This is sometimes called sensory integration disorder and diagnosed separatley to ASD.It can also occur in other conditions.However it is fairly common in individuals who have ASD.If the information that the individual recieves is too much for example in busy,loud or bright places [or places that feel like that to the individual] then that can create anxiety.I think it feels like being in a crowded disco with the music full on and lights blaring.

If you google Sensory Integration Disorder then you may well find a much clearer explanation.

Specific strategies that may help depend on the exact cause of the difficulties.However whatever is creating the overload anxiety will increase the difficulty and lack of awareness can result in challenging behaviour.Karen.

Edited May 13, 2009 by Karen A

[jordansmum33ok]

Hi.I hope you are able to make some progress today during your brief phone call making slot.

It sounds like the tutor is helpful.I hope she is listened to and is able to document her views.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/educatio...on-1684039.html

I read this in the independent this morning and thought I would post a link.It may not be much of a consolation but at least it shows that you are not the only parent with problems over five day suspension.Karen.

 

thanks Karen,

i think its a situation that the goverment need to sort out.. i have never been given any work for him in any of the exclusions he has had.. there has been many

did wonder what was going on as normally it just goes on an on til get to 10days exclusion..

 

i did notice on the over link that there was no permentant exclusions for primary age but many for secondary

which made me think back to when Jordan was 5 and was threatened with permentant exclusion from mainstrem

the head teacher said she was reluctant to do it as it would affect any chance of him getting another place

so on came the only send to school f "fit" for school.. and if that could be for the rest of term that would be great...

didnt sort out the problem just delayed any help.

 

im still being told many As units wont take him as

1/ he has no other conditions other than AS and ADHD...

2/ due to level of violence and aggression

 

plus because the places are so limited they are more likely to take another child without the behaviour.

 

Only bit different now is not had meeting with school governers..

do they not do this in secondary units?

 

 

couldnt call today.. daughter is at home on her period.. like she is posessed

son didnt want to go therapy today.. next door was drilling early mornng.. which set him off

 

thought they was trying get into the house

 

crazy day!!

[Kazzen161]

did wonder what was going on as normally it just goes on an on til get to 10days exclusion..

 

im still being told many As units wont take him as

1/ he has no other conditions other than AS and ADHD...

2/ due to level of violence and aggression

 

plus because the places are so limited they are more likely to take another child without the behaviour.

 

Only bit different now is not had meeting with school governers..

do they not do this in secondary units?

 

When they introduced the new rules, I asked the Head of the school where I am a Governor, what would happen now that schools had the responsibility to provide the FTE education for exclusions over 5 days - she said there will just be no exclusions of more than 5 days!

 

Some AS units do take the more challenging children, as do specialist schools. Generally once the child's needs are met, the violence and agression disappear.

 

LAs say a lot of things that are not true, just to put you off, so do you own research. My County told me they did not send children to T's school - there were actually 6 children there from our County.

 

I think you only meet with the Governors if you appeal against an exclusion - and that exclusion must be longer than X (5? days). I don't think this school is following the proper procedures anyway, as they still have not officially confirmed that the exclusion is more than 5 days/permanent, have they?

 

 

[Sally44]

Sensory Integration difficulties are not new. Autistic people have been talking about them for years. Delacatto (not sure what professional he was) wrote about them in the 1960's(?).

Temple Grandin says she believes that all those on the spectrum have sensory processing difficulties ranging from mild to severe. Tactile difficulties (sense of touch) was what pushed her to invent her 'squeeze machine' to help her get used to human contact. She found that she liked the deep pressure rather than light touch. She also has auditory over sensitivities.

My son is also diagnosed with SID. Again it affects every person differently. The important thing to understand is that it fluctuates depending on the task demand, environment, how the child is feeling. So, for example, my son can range from screaming crying at a certain noise, covering his ears, appearing deaf, making certain noises or seeking them out, enjoying certain loud sounds. That goes the whole range from over to under sensitive and it can change from one extreme from day to day or even throughout the day.

Our Autism Outreach Department organised a seminar for parents and professionals by a woman called Olga Bogdashina. She has a very good book out called Sensory and Perceptual Differences in Autism and Aspergers. At the back of this book is a caregivers questionnaire that you can complete. Our AOD uses this questionnaire and gives it to parents to fill in and return to them.

How would that affect your child in a school environment. He may not be able to cope with whole class instructions from an auditory, visual stimulus, olfactory stimulus point of view if his senses are hyper sensitive. He may not be able to co-ordinate incoming sensory information from many different senses at a time. This is sometimes called mono-processing. For example if my son looks at you he cannot hear you at the same time. If he is holding something and you speak to him he may on occasions drop the item he is holding because he cannot maintain 'body awareness - proprioceptive sense) at the same time as looking or listening. My son is also over sensitive to smells and will run away from certain ones. It is a very interesting area. And once you have a good idea of how it affects your child you begin to see how their behaviour is not disruptive, or illogical or unpredictable. It is actually a logical reaction to their perception of incoming sensory information. For example if light touch hurts you and one of your teachers or TAs tends to place their hand on your shoulder, you are bound to recoil from them because (a) they are hurting you and ( you don't know that they are not hurting you intentionally and © you may well retaliate.

When a person is hypo sensitive they cannot get information in through the senses so they tend to use other senses to gain information. This might include smelling, mouthing, touching things to try to get the sensory perception of what the thing is. There is also times when sensory information cannot be recognised. Sometimes it is called 'white noise' in that the sensory information is being received (ie. the child is not blind, deaf etc), but they cannot process that information or make any sense of it.

There are some whose senses are affected to such an extent that they cannot make sense of what they perceive. Donna Williams, for example, sees things in fragments. So when she looks at an object she cannot make out what it is. She can only process parts of the object, but never enough or in context to understand what it is or what it does.

There are many similarities between the behaviours of those with ASDs, blind and deaf children usually referred to by professionals as blindisms and deafisms. So Olga asks the question, are those with ASDs in some way blind or deaf in a sensory way.

Some forms of visual distortions are also down to Irlen Syndrome. And some with ASDs find wearing the glasses reduces sensory overload and improves or removes visual distortions for some with ASDs and Dyslexia. Most NHS hospitals now screen for Irlen Syndrome.

[jordansmum33ok]

When they introduced the new rules, I asked the Head of the school where I am a Governor, what would happen now that schools had the responsibility to provide the FTE education for exclusions over 5 days - she said there will just be no exclusions of more than 5 days!

 

Some AS units do take the more challenging children, as do specialist schools. Generally once the child's needs are met, the violence and agression disappear.

 

LAs say a lot of things that are not true, just to put you off, so do you own research. My County told me they did not send children to T's school - there were actually 6 children there from our County.

 

I think you only meet with the Governors if you appeal against an exclusion - and that exclusion must be longer than X (5? days). I don't think this school is following the proper procedures anyway, as they still have not officially confirmed that the exclusion is more than 5 days/permanent, have they?

 

Hey got a letter today.. i type it

 

 

Dear MISS....

 

Thank you for you letter dated 8th may..

 

I have spoken to our SENCo MRS..., and the reason for Jordan's Annual Review being arranged for the 4TH JUNE is that we needed to make sure

that the necessary professionals had sufficient notice to attend. Also we are closed for one week at the end of this month it shortened the window of oppurtunity.

 

The current arrangements for Jordan were never intended to be long term but to be reviewed after a short while and it was felt that the Annual Rewiew would be the appropiate oppurtunity.

 

As you are aware i did attempt to contact you by phone on a number of occasions at the beggining of term but was unsuccessful and therefore wrote to you asking you to contact me if you required futher information.

 

I understand from SENCo that you have been contacted regaurding the Annual Review of Jordans statement on the 4th june ...

where the issues you raised can be addressed.

 

please contact me should you require any further information.

 

Headteacher..

 

 

 

so no still not really answered any questions..

 

 

i be back later.. hectic day

 

Edited May 13, 2009 by jordansmum33ok

[jordansmum33ok]

calls made now to LEA and KIDS

so just waiting on return calls monday

[jordansmum33ok]

hi, well the KIDS lady is coming tomorrow.. no return call from the LEA..

I did get reply to the complaint letter and its at stage1, but no further replies.

 

Tutor has sent letter to peadatrician regaurding SID diagnosis..

 

SENCo has said to have a letter ready to send on June 4TH requesting a reassesment of his needs.

 

Apparently all proffesionals have been invited so we will see..

 

 

[Karen A]

hi, well the KIDS lady is coming tomorrow.. no return call from the LEA..

I did get reply to the complaint letter and its at stage1, but no further replies.

 

Tutor has sent letter to peadatrician regaurding SID diagnosis..

 

SENCo has said to have a letter ready to send on June 4TH requesting a reassesment of his needs.

 

Apparently all proffesionals have been invited so we will see..

<'> <'> All the best.I will be thinking of you.Karen.

[jordansmum33ok]

<'> <'> All the best.I will be thinking of you.Karen.

 

thanks Karen and big thanks for your help x

[julieann]

 

Hi Jordansmum,

 

I'm a little confused here. I have not had any experience of behavioural units. I am an LSA (ASD) in mainstream

secondary school and mum to son 19 A/S. Aren't the staff in a behavioural unit trained in pupils learning difficulties and the

possible behaviour this triggers if the pupils needs aren't met correctly. In a lot of cases it's the way the teacher speaks to

a pupil that can trigger the behaviour.

 

I know our aspies have problems with understanding facial expressions but I think they are very perceptive to the tone of

voice of a person who doesn't like them or is annoyed with them even though they don't know why. This in turn causes

anxiety and often anger due to the frustration of not knowing what they have done for someone to dislike them or be

annoyed with them in the first place. They then lash out at the nearest person , object or themselves.

 

Julieann

[Kazzen161]

SENCo has said to have a letter ready to send on June 4TH requesting a reassesment of his needs.

 

Apparently all proffesionals have been invited so we will see..

 

Why has she told you to do this? I can't see why they can't just say the PRU can't meet his needs, and agree to look for a more appropriate placement. I thought most of his needs had been recognised, and that it was just that they were not recorded in the Statement. The LA could just re-write the Statement. Be careful they don't try and drag things out even longer, by making you wait for a reassessment to be done.

 

It might be worth calling the professionals to make sure they will be attending.

[jordansmum33ok]

Hi Jordansmum,

 

I'm a little confused here. I have not had any experience of behavioural units. I am an LSA (ASD) in mainstream

secondary school and mum to son 19 A/S. Aren't the staff in a behavioural unit trained in pupils learning difficulties and the

possible behaviour this triggers if the pupils needs aren't met correctly. In a lot of cases it's the way the teacher speaks to

a pupil that can trigger the behaviour.

 

I know our aspies have problems with understanding facial expressions but I think they are very perceptive to the tone of

voice of a person who doesn't like them or is annoyed with them even though they don't know why. This in turn causes

anxiety and often anger due to the frustration of not knowing what they have done for someone to dislike them or be

annoyed with them in the first place. They then lash out at the nearest person , object or themselves.

 

Julieann

hi Julieann,

yes thats part of the problem too i think.. the head for instance has a very strong female voice.. she scares me

he has had many a run in with her..

 

The staff have not bonded well with Jordan.. although he has been there since september they have said he is hard to read.. triggers etc

prev school said his triggers was complex and changed daily.. but he liked it there.

 

I know even with me if im stressed at something like tryin fix washing machine.. if he asks me anything and i answer him in an annoyed voice he gets really

upset..

[jordansmum33ok]

Why has she told you to do this? I can't see why they can't just say the PRU can't meet his needs, and agree to look for a more appropriate placement. I thought most of his needs had been recognised, and that it was just that they were not recorded in the Statement. The LA could just re-write the Statement. Be careful they don't try and drag things out even longer, by making you wait for a reassessment to be done.

 

It might be worth calling the professionals to make sure they will be attending.

 

yes exactly the KIDS lady stressed the same today..

im going to look into other schools now as apparently the LEA are attending ..even though not confirmed it with me yet..

so KIDS said to have possibilities ready, they agreed that a re-assesment of his needs is needed but that it can take months

 

We are just going to see what annual reveiw brings up, hopefully they will admit there that they cannot meet his needs.. then it will be documented and dealt with.

[Kazzen161]

Most independent schools do their own full assessments (OT, SALT, psych, etc) either when the child starts or during a few days trial visit, so don't let the LA drag things out.

[jordansmum33ok]

Hi, just thought id update as had the annual reveiw today

A senior officer from the LEA attended and apparently the head of her department said she had to attend..

 

During the reveiw it was confirmed that the school cannot meet his many needs and they said he is in the wrong placement.

LEA agreed and as his statement is "out of date" 2004.. it was agreed to be re-written.. and a re-assessment has been requested.. hand delivered..

 

so now they are getting in all the evidence to put to the panel.. many reports have already been done but he needs to see the consultant

in regards to high func autism.. and SIDS..

also ED PHSC and reports from me and his tutor also

 

his tutor will continue for 2hrs week maybe more..

 

KIDS said it was a very positive meeting and she is going to liase with tutor to help me with my side of report for LEA

 

the LEA asked for copies of his incidents and the head walked in with 2 piles.. id say at least 100 if not more serious incidents

thy said he was huge risk health an safety when in school

 

So all agreed that best way forward is to find his needs /triggers and find out what school would be best.

 

timescale they said is upto 26weeks but could be longer if no appropriate school found or if that school declines..

 

but that they will try really hard to re-write statement before 26weeks

 

So although seems long way off at least we seem to be all in agreement...phew!!

 

SENCo... looked relieved.. so did the Head..

LEA officer said to call her or email her and she let me know progress.. she did seem very co-operative... hmmmm

 

any thoughts?

[Kazzen161]

Sounds promising, but shame it took so long for them to admit it.

 

I would strongly advise that you look for a school yourself. The LA will start by looking at the cheapest options, rather than what is most suitable for your child. Do lots of research and visits yourself, so if the LEA say they can't find a school - you can say I've found this one. Do look at residential schools as well. Even if you do not wish to consider residential, once you go and see them, you may well come to feel that they would give your son the best chance.

 

As some schools cost £100k a year, every few weeks delay saves them loads of money, so the LA are liable to drag their heels.

 

If they do take 26 weeks, it is going to be about December, and most schools will be filled in September. You may find that some of the schools that are suitable do not have places by then.

 

I am not sure why it should take 26 weeks (as long as starting from scratch), as a lot of the work has already been done, so keep chasing the LA. Don't feel bad about ringing them every week (or every day if necessary) to find out what is being done.

 

Make sure the LA know that they have failed your child by sending him to this placement, when it seems that it should have been obvious that it would not be suitable. They have wasted a whole 12-18 months of his education, maybe more. It may be that you need to ask for your child to repeat this school year, when he does get a new school.

 

If he is to be out of school for 26 weeks (by the LAs admission) then you shoudl be pushing for far more tutoring each week. Two hours per week is no where near a full-time equivalent education, which the LA are bound to provide if a child is out of school. If he is only getting two hours a week, the cost is minimal, and the LA are not going to be hurrying to send him to a more expensive placement.

 

 

[jordansmum33ok]

Sounds promising, but shame it took so long for them to admit it.

 

I would strongly advise that you look for a school yourself. The LA will start by looking at the cheapest options, rather than what is most suitable for your child. Do lots of research and visits yourself, so if the LEA say they can't find a school - you can say I've found this one. Do look at residential schools as well. Even if you do not wish to consider residential, once you go and see them, you may well come to feel that they would give your son the best chance.

 

 

 

As some schools cost £100k a year, every few weeks delay saves them loads of money, so the LA are liable to drag their heels.

 

If they do take 26 weeks, it is going to be about December, and most schools will be filled in September. You may find that some of the schools that are suitable do not have places by then.

 

I am not sure why it should take 26 weeks (as long as starting from scratch), as a lot of the work has already been done, so keep chasing the LA. Don't feel bad about ringing them every week (or every day if necessary) to find out what is being done.

 

Make sure the LA know that they have failed your child by sending him to this placement, when it seems that it should have been obvious that it would not be suitable. They have wasted a whole 12-18 months of his education, maybe more. It may be that you need to ask for your child to repeat this school year, when he does get a new school.

 

If he is to be out of school for 26 weeks (by the LAs admission) then you shoudl be pushing for far more tutoring each week. Two hours per week is no where near a full-time equivalent education, which the LA are bound to provide if a child is out of school. If he is only getting two hours a week, the cost is minimal, and the LA are not going to be hurrying to send him to a more expensive placement.

 

Hi Kazzen,

I did have 3 schools in mind and told them of them yesterday but was kinda knocked back as LEA said as did Head that due to his behaviour poblems

they would

turn him down

1 is private 2 out of area...

apparently in my area there are no places..

 

We need a primary school kind of setting where he stays in same room to be taught at least until he getsused to school

i did say in the right placement he prob would not have these behaviours.. but as its on his records i was told they would go on that..

really frustrating.

 

LEA said to put it in my report schools im interested in and reasons.. and even if full or reluctant they "may" be able to get him a place but its going take time..

 

His consultant has been passing him onto CALMS.. and then they have been passing him back..

even said did not recieve letter school sent regarding seeing my son again

 

i was told now he has to see him.. or refer him to another DR who will see him..

meantime my son is getting so fed up and upset at not being able to go to school.

 

I have told him he has to see DR he says he only see his doc.. hmmm

because thats his doc..

 

Do you think i should get some legal advice or do you think they are doing all they can?

 

thanks for your help x

[madme]

Hi. I would recommed that you buy the Gabbitas guide to sen schools if you don't have it already. I found it really helpful and in fact that was how we found our son's current school. It has independent and state mainstream and special and mixed. you can buy it by paying by card over the phone.

Have you actually talked to the schools that you are interested in or visited. I talked to loads of heads and sencos and visited quite a few with and without my son. We whittled it down to two. I let my son choose as it was a secondary placement. He is boarding and it was his choice. I miss him terribly but I know that its worth it.

Good luck

[Kazzen161]

Hi Kazzen,

I did have 3 schools in mind and told them of them yesterday but was kinda knocked back as LEA said as did Head that due to his behaviour poblems

they would

turn him down

1 is private 2 out of area...

apparently in my area there are no places..

 

We need a primary school kind of setting where he stays in same room to be taught at least until he getsused to school

i did say in the right placement he prob would not have these behaviours.. but as its on his records i was told they would go on that..

really frustrating.

 

Do you think i should get some legal advice or do you think they are doing all they can?

 

You need to ring the schools, and speak to the Head. You can describe your son, and they can tell you if they might take him. Then you can visit. Most ASD specialist schools are used to challenging behaviour, and as you say a lot of the behaviours will disappear once he is in the right school. These schools will know this.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about the primary setting issue - most of the more specialist ASD schools have small buildings, small classes, high staff ratios, and strict routines. You will most likely find he will cope with that. Certainly don't write them off til you have visited.

 

I would guess they are doing all they can, but they are not in any rush. I don't think you need any legal advice yet. Find a school first, that is suitable and has a place, then see what the LA say.

[jordansmum33ok]

Hi all little update,

this week is when the LEA are doing the draft.. not sure if its a full reassesment or rewrite?

but reports are in so time will tell.

 

Sorry not been on much have been unwell with cold/flu type thing for weeks now.. maybe moving soon too

x

[Sally44]

Hi all little update,

this week is when the LEA are doing the draft.. not sure if its a full reassesment or rewrite?

but reports are in so time will tell.

 

Sorry not been on much have been unwell with cold/flu type thing for weeks now.. maybe moving soon too

x

 

 

I wasn't sure from your previous post whether the LEA had told you your school options were not possible because they were either private or out of the area. Those are not reasons for the LEA to refuse. The LEA has to fund appropriate educational settings that are the best use of their resources. If those schools are the best use of resources, and meets all your child's needs, then the LEA has to consider them and fund a place there if that is the only option available. From your experience it sounds like your LEA does not have anything suitable and therefore your only option is probably going to be either private or out of area.

[jordansmum33ok]

I wasn't sure from your previous post whether the LEA had told you your school options were not possible because they were either private or out of the area. Those are not reasons for the LEA to refuse. The LEA has to fund appropriate educational settings that are the best use of their resources. If those schools are the best use of resources, and meets all your child's needs, then the LEA has to consider them and fund a place there if that is the only option available. From your experience it sounds like your LEA does not have anything suitable and therefore your only option is probably going to be either private or out of area.

 

thanks Sally,

yes think thats what the LEA mean too.

[jordansmum33ok]

Time frames so far...

 

JUNE 5TH REASSESSMENT AGREED TOO

 

JULY21ST... EMAIL SENT BY MYSELF REQUESTING UPDATE

 

JULY 23RD

REPLY FROM LEA SENIOR OFFICER

 

Hello ......

 

 

 

I have sent out forms for you and J to complete. I will be amending J statement week commencing 10th August and will once it has been checked sent it out to you in draft form for your consideration. I have spoken to the Educational Psychologist for ......J UNIT who is of the view that a full reassessment would not be necessary and would just make finding a place for J take longer. She is willing should we require it to see J next term, she will discuss this with staff.

 

 

 

If you wish me to send his papers to REQUESTED SCHOOL at the beginning of next term I will be happy to do so. However, I would need you to formally request this.

 

 

 

I hope this update is helpful. I am on leave next week but will be back in the office on Monday 3rd August.

 

MY FORMS SENT BACK AN REQUEST FOR SCHOOL

 

25TH SEPT... EMAIL SENT

 

Dear ...

Further to our email below I am now wondering what is happening about J reassessment.

 

We met in early June for his annual review and you agreed to reassess J, I heard nothing from you until your reply to my email below.

 

After being told it would start on the 10th August I am now wondering...

 

What stage it is at now?

What still needs to be done?

When can I expect the reassessment to be completed?

Also have any schools been approached?

 

J is still very keen to attend school and is seeking answers to why it is taking so long.

 

The home tutoring is going well but full time education needs to be accessed as soon as possible as J needs this and it helps him in his routine and socially too.

 

Thank you

JULIE

 

REPLY FROM SENCO WHO WAS CC IN EMAIL

Hi ....

 

Thanks for this copy of e mail.

 

I wrote to LEA OFFICER at the beginning of September to remind her that we had asked for a re-write to show that ASD was his primary need. Therefore it was the medical factors that we wanted recognized, as opposed to the educational factors. I believe that we all agreed that J needs were such that he should be educated in a facility that could accommodate his ASD needs.

 

Hope all is well with you

 

Regards

 

SENCO

 

So any advice? do you think i should have heard something by now?

i cc the head of speacil needs.. lea officers boss too as i was told "off record" that she wanted this cleared up asap and was taking a big interest... hmmm

 

 

 

 

 

[Karen A]

Hi.I cannot believe that the situation appears to run and run and you are now in another school year.I honestly wonder if they plan to stall so long hoping you will give up.

 

have sent out forms for you and J to complete. I will be amending J statement week commencing 10th August and will once it has been checked sent it out to you in draft form for your consideration. I have spoken to the Educational Psychologist for ......J UNIT who is of the view that a full reassessment would not be necessary and would just make finding a place for J take longer. She is willing should we require it to see J next term, she will discuss this with staff[/quote]

 

I read this as saying that no re-assessment is planned.Do you have anything written down saying that re-assessment has been agreed ?

I would think that if there was an agreement to re-assess then the usual time frame for Statutary Assessment would apply although I am not sure.

Even on the basis that the Statement was being amended I would have thought you should have recieved a draft Amended Statement by now.

 

I think it would be worth contacting the caseworker who helped you before for advice.Sorry I do not have the will to read back through the numerous pages to check where they were from. <'> <'> <'>

Edited having changed mind and had a quick look.Would the kids lady help you again ?

Karen.

Edited September 25, 2009 by Karen A

[jordansmum33ok]

Hi.I cannot believe that the situation appears to run and run and you are now in another school year.I honestly wonder if they plan to stall so long hoping you will give up.

 

i have sent out forms for you and J to complete. I will be amending J statement week commencing 10th August and will once it has been checked sent it out to you in draft form for your consideration. I have spoken to the Educational Psychologist for ......J UNIT who is of the view that a full reassessment would not be necessary and would just make finding a place for J take longer. She is willing should we require it to see J next term, she will discuss this with staff

 

I read this as saying that no re-assessment is planned.Do you have anything written down saying that re-assessment has been agreed ?

I would think that if there was an agreement to re-assess then the usual time frame for Statutary Assessment would apply although I am not sure.

Even on the basis that the Statement was being amended I would have thought you should have recieved a draft Amended Statement by now.

 

I think it would be worth contacting the caseworker who helped you before for advice.Sorry I do not have the will to read back through the numerous pages to check where they were from. <'> <'> <'> Karen.

 

 

 

Hi Karen,

its only when you highlighted that bit that i see what you are saying... ammending is a lot different than reassessment..

i do have the minutes from the ANNUAL REVIEW stating that LEA agree a reassessment is needed.

i have never been asked if an amendment was ok.. if they do infact ask.

 

I shall give the LEA a week to reply then i will seek legal advice as i expected alot more progress .

thanks again

 

KIDS lady i have left message for.

Edited September 25, 2009 by jordansmum33ok

[Sally44]

I agree with Karen that the suggested amendment may mean there is no set legal timeframe for anything to be done. And she has tried to 'sell' this idea to you by saying it will save time. Well I think a re-assessment would have meant everybody had to take their time to look at your son and there would have been set timescales that you would have worked with. In my experience it is very important to go by the book to ensure things are done. If it all goes pear shaped they will probably point at you and say you agreed to an amendment.

Don't wait another week. Get advice from kids and if a re-assessment is best then go with that. If there are no further assessments then how is this woman going to 'amend' anything. Is she just going to put in what she wants as she will have no up to date information, reports or evidence????

In my experience there are few people that go out of their way to help. Most people tend to try to reduce their workload and LEAs tend to try to limit their funding responsibilities as much as they can. So you have to go by the advice given by organisations that are working for children and families like yourself ie. NAS, IPSEA and KIDS and always follow the SEN Code of Practice and don't be tempted to agree to any 'shortcuts' that then turn out to be a wander in the wilderness.

[Sally44]

Can you clarify about what up to date reports or assessments have been done?

[Kathryn]

It appears from what you say that the LEA verbally agreed to a statutory reassessment and then changed their minds after advice from the Ed Psych.

 

If I were you I would focus on this part of the LEA response to your email:

 

I will be amending J statement week commencing 10th August and will once it has been checked sent it out to you in draft form for your consideration.

 

Send an email back quoting this and asking if they could please send you the proposed amended statement by the end of next week (whatever the date is).

 

K x

[Kazzen161]

I agree with Kathryn, work on the fact that they said they would amend the statement w/c 10th August. Even giving them two weeks to re-write it and get it checked by their bosses, you should have had it at the end of August.

 

They will either send the draft, admit they haven't done it yet or say they are re-assessing instead. At least you will know what they are doing.

Do not leave it a week. Call them LA officer every day, until you get an answer.

 

They may have taken your request to approach the school as an implied agreement to an amendment, rather than an amendment, because generally you would only send them paperwork that accurately reflects the child's needs (otherwise they cannot make an accurate decision).

 

Have you rung the school you want and asked them if they have been approached by the LA? You also need to check they still have a place for him.