Education/statement/support/decision

[loubeeloulou]

Hi

I've just joined this forum, mainly to see what other people have found useful and for advice maybe and to try get my head round what's happening, perhaps a sounding board!

My 14 yo son was diagnosed with aspergers back in October 2010 after a drawn out struggle with senior school since starting in Sept 09. It perhaps began when his junior school merged with another in jan 09, things started to go skewy. It manifested by refusal to enter classrooms at secondary schl, then poor concentration in classes, then blatant refusal to go to school. It was, unfortunately, his headteacher, a very stern, obnoxious, aggressive character, who first dealt with this (wrong place wrong time etc) and he was the first to mention ASD. This began in Dec 09 really, and spiralled without intervention until around April 2010, when education welfare and additional needs became involved. No formal assessment was instigated at this point, and attendance of schl was poor at this point.

By Summer, after an attempt at a part time timetable, and only being dealt with by in schl special needs teacher, I received a threatening letter from Ed welfare saying I would be taken to court, this was august 10, I rang this ewo in desperation, asking her to help me get him referred somewhere, quick. The upshot of this was a meeting at school with clin psych in Oct (he didn't return to schl in Sept, and was still absent by this point) He was assessed and diagnosed with ASD at end oct 10. He didn't attend schl again, until a series of meetings suggested changing schools due to the lack of progress for diagnosis and support. He reluctantly agreed to this, albeit his mood was very well by now, and we geared up to start a new senior schl in Jan 11. He attended his first day, a miraculous event considering his frame of mind, and his lack of schl attendance thus far. It lasted a day. He hated it, he felt insecure, lacked confidence and self esteem and went one more morning and that was the end of that. We again got referred to EWO team, this time to a different ewo who was more 'in my face' and determined to discover why I wasn't 'making' him go to schl. By the time we got to 7th January, he sent me a message whilst I was working to say he wanted to kill himself... I immediately returned home and tried to calm his anxious tears and shocking mood.

 

He was referred within two wks to child psychiatrist, who diagnosed mixed anxiety and clinical depression. he was started on Fluoxetine medication (anti depressants) to my horror, but he was terribly low and very upset.

 

Basically, to cut out a long bit, he got signed off medically for a while whilst home tuition was suppsoed to be put in place for him as an interim provision. This didn't happen, people didn't communicate, or fill forms in so basically by the time he received tuition at home it was June, he got 4 wks before sumemr term started. The tutor doesn't display any behaviour of understanding ASD, and continually professes her frustration and repeatedly tells him if he doesn't stay on task, or refuses to come downstairs for her, that he should think of the consequences and stop being rude... yet another fail.

 

We ended up changing his meds to Citalopram ten days ago as fluox was not really having much effect, even the psychiatrist struggles with which bit is his Aspergers and which is depression. It's heartbreaking.

 

His mood is very low currently. he doesn't have friends, he speaks to some people he knew from primary or senior schl on facebook, but rearely leaves the house. He has reverted into a shell, a recluse almost. He hates social situations, often refusing to go, he takes no responsibility for personal hygiene and often just plays on his PS3 for periods of time, the rest of the time just declares he's 'bored'.

He had to go through the statementing process recently, which upset him hugely being asked if he'd like friends, if he'd like to be 'normal',. which , of course, he is desperate to be, as far as their definition of normal is anyway.

I've just had a report back this morning, the propsed statement...saying he should go back to mainstream, have a TA for 15 hours, make friends, learn to communicate, join social skills groups etc etc etc.....this couldn't be more inappropriate for him, personally, and I feel quite stressed and befuddled, for want of a better phrase, as to what to do next. His home tutor has basically alienated him, once he has made his mind up about something, there isn;'t any reasoning, she's a non starter for him now after how she is with him. I feel my only option is to deregister him, focus more on his emotional needs rather than his educational needs. It's more important now.

 

He is high functioning, gaining all level 5's SATS at primary, a little clever clogs But his senior learning stopped in or aorund feb 2010...a year and a half later, he sees no point, to anything, education, anything.

 

I'm completely at my wits end basically. The professionals tell me constantly that people have turned around from this with help. I know he won't manage mainstream, or any stream come to that, even home tuition is difficult for him. Nobody else seems to understand what he is going through and I feel I am his anchor, but even i'm now struggling to be honest.

 

I need some info on deregistering, what that means, what I would have to provide regarding an 'education' ... I'mat the point now after a year and a half of battles and frustrations and heartache, that education has ceased to be the 'be all and end all' .... Im more concerned about his state of mind, his future, that he currently doesn't see...

 

Any info or advice would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks

 

Lou

[Grace]

Hi Lou,

 

Sorry to hear your story, which unfortunately is very common - seriously, you have come to the right forum!

 

My first thought, is that there is another alternative, but it is one that you would need to fight for, but it would be worth it, I think. It's called a Special Independent School. There are special independent schools that cater for children who are intelligent, who have Asperger's and who are failing at mainstream.

 

These schools are not cheap and therefore you need to fight for them. This means that when you are asked which school you would like to name in Part 4 of the statement, you name this special independent (there are websites that list these types of schools - Gabbitas is one, and I would hope others on here can suggest others). This is usually when the LA come up with a school that you won't agree to and when they name it, you can appeal to a tribunal.

 

To aid success, you will probably need an independent Educational Psychology report and possibly an Independent Speech and Language report. A solicitor would help, but there are also organisations such as SOS!SEN and IPSEA and NAS who offer advocacy for free. There are also paid advocacy services that are much cheaper than a solicitor.

 

It is a very daunting prospect, but in the right environment, mixing with other Asperger children, who are in tune with your son, he could absolutely thrive both academically and socially.

 

There are people who home-educate and I salute them, but I think you should also be aware of the alternative.

 

Best Wishes

 

Grace/x

Edited October 29, 2011 by Grace

[Suze]

don,t be too quick to de -register.My son attended a ASD high school resource ,after a very tricky primary education ,we have a similar story in that he was becoming a schoool refuser and clincally depressed.It was mentioned to us that he may never cope in a school environment.He had a pretty useless LSA at the time who had no direct ASD experience.At high school however things changed and it was here that he began to thrive.Staff here were amazing .He entered high school disapplied from several subjects, unable to attend registration and assemblies, and having a LSA all the time.He left 5 yrs later attending school full time integrating with his tutor group and working independently with in 50% of his subjects.He exceeded all expectations.Adolescence is a tricky time ..you may have to give him a push to get through this period but there are many kids like him at ASD resources, and it may help him to know hes not gthe only one out there.

[justine1]

Hi

 

I agree with the above posts. Definatley think about other options. There will be no quick fix either way even if you de-registered it will take time before they will provide help to you,it does vary depending on where you live but I have heard some people only get a tutor for an hour a day which given your son is doing so well I would fear that he would fall behind.

 

Again if you appeal the statement and chose an alternative such as ASD unit this will also take time. However I think it is worth doing some research and maybe visiting some schools.

 

I believe it cannot be good for someone who has depression to be indoors most of the day everyday. I am sure you both need a break from each other as well,so even if he started on a part timetable it would still be beneficial. I also think social skills are important for when he leaves school if he cannot cope now he may never cope and what kind of future would he have then? If he is to attend a specialist school or unit he will learn skills gradually, it really does take time. My son is 8 years old and its taken him 2 years to learn basic social skills and he is still learning. The schools can also give you advice on what to do at home to help him. You can hep his emotional well being and work towards getting him into the right school at the same time, you can also continue working on this when he does start school. I feel if you focused on the emotional side and put the academic side on hold it may hinder his academic ability and may give up all together on any form of education.

 

Ultimatley it is your decision and of course all ASD units or special schools vary so much depending on where you live so it may be that none are even suitable for your son but I am sure its worth looking into. Good luck

[Sally44]

The biggest thing is going to be how they support him and manage his anxiety. He has failed so far and there is no motivation or incentive for him to try again. He did try - bless him. He agreed and went into school for the first day and he hoped it would be better, but it wasn't.

 

What had the school/LA provided that was additional or extra support for him to attempt this return? Was there any plan or meetings held?

 

How is he doing academically?

 

Does he have any other specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, poor executive functions, poor working or short term memory, sensory issues?

[Sally44]

Don't de-register him. If you do that the LA/school have no responsibility for him at all. They don't have to provide anything.

 

Home Education does work for some, but it is too early to take that route. Whilst he is at home you can provide him with some learning opportunities, but NEVER tell anyone you are considering home education, until you have finally made that decision yourself and you are aware of all the implications [good or bad] that will result from that decision.

 

To get an independent special school you usually have to prove that the child is not making progress [which he isn't if he is out of school], that he cannot cope with the environment, that he needs to be taught in small groups of around 8 pupils with a pupil to staff ratio that is usually around 1:3. Usually these schools have SALT and OT on sight, so you need to prove a need for them. To demonstrate that progress has not been made. And the main thing is that the LA cannot provide what he needs in the school they have named, whilst your choice can. If the LA does name a school that can meet needs [and they would also need to demonstrate they could provide a functional multi disciplinary team and joint planning and maybe co-teaching etc], then it would go to cost ie. is the LA option cheaper than your preferred choice. If the LA school cannot meet needs, it doesn't even go to costs. And the point you are at is usually the stage people get to before they go to Tribunal for an independent placement.

 

Two years ago I would never have thought we would get to that stage, but we did. In year 5 he moved to a different classroom, different teacher/TAs, different children and he went downhill fast.

 

Get clued up so that you know what your rights are, and what are the rights of your child. If anyone threatens you, or promises you something ask them to put it in writing. Until it is in writing it means nothing.

 

I would be interested to know what standardised assessments were carried out as part of the Statementing process, and what his age or percentile results were for speech and language and literacy/numeracy etc.

[loubeeloulou]

Yeah this sure is tricky....

 

his assessment results were:

recall of designs 42nd percentile average

word definitions 38th average

pattern construction 31st average

matrices 50th average

verbal similarities 27th average

quantitive reasoning 84th - above average

verbal ability 32nd average

non- verbal 70th average

spatial ability 32nd average

 

BASII results

 

word reading 87th above average

spelling 92nd above average

number skills 84th above average

 

just trying to work with parent partnership now to. Going to get him signed off sick for a bit,l get a list of all specialised school s within and outside of the LA, but I truly don't think a school placement will work, ever...He is a total recluse now. WHich guts me no end

 

Not gonna de register just yet but it's something that might happen.

 

I'm really more worried about his mental state, he sees no hope for anything in the future...which is horrifying as a parent,but I'm hoping some time away and get his meds right, we will have a better image of what could happen.....

 

I don't hold out much hope though for attending an establishment, the events have had such a bad impact on him, his anxiety and depression is really bad.

[Kathryn]

Hi Loubeelou,

 

Welcome to the forum

 

I really feel for you, as your situation sounds so like my own back in 2004 when my daughter suffered a severe breakdown and was no longer able to attend school. That was the crisis which prompted me to join this forum and I've had wonderful advice and support from the good folk here ever since. I hope you find it equally helpful.

 

Although you may feel there's no obvious way forward for your son at the moment, I just want to hold out a bit of hope. My daughter (academically very able, dx with AS at 15 )was severely ill and depressed for over a year at age 15/16: after trying the start of year 11 and finding it too stressful to go on, she barely left the house or communicated with anyone and was only able to cope with a very limited amount of home tuition - in the end we scaled it right down to half an hour a week and the tutor was basically colouring in pictures with her. She had two lengthy bouts of not speaking at all and her physical coordination deteriorated to the extent that I was helping her dress herself. She was constantly anxious and was self harming. She took, over 18 months, five different kinds of antidepressant.

 

During this time we tried and did not succeed in getting a statement for her to attend a specialist school. In view of her age, we gave up that battle and accepted a place at the local FE college, far from ideal as she was in the learning difficulties department, working way bellow her intellectual level, but it provided the nurture and emotional support she desperately needed while she slowly climbed back to full health.

 

To cut a very long story short (the full version is documented all over this forum over the last 7 years!) she has just started her first year of a degree in English at a highly regarded university. This is without a conventional education: she never achieved a single GCSE or A level but was eventually able to do an Access to Higher Education course at the college, and got in on the strength of that. It took her a long long time to build her confidence to the point where she is able to cope with the academic, social and organisational demands of going to university - but she has done it at the ripe old age of 22 - not too far behind her peers.

 

The point I'm trying to make is - although your son is in a bad place at the moment - don't give up hope that he will come out of this and have every chance of fulfilling his ambitions and his potential, whatever that may be. He may do it in a different way and a little later, that's all. It's hard when you see his peers moving on and upwards on the conventional educational path but try not to worry and just go one step at a time.

 

I agree with others that it's wise to consider all options, especially as you have now got a Statement: there are some very good specialist schools out there which do wonders for children who have been screwed up by the system - definitely worth visiting one or two. There are also good "ordinary" independent schools which, partly because they are smaller, also offer a more supportive environment for young people.

 

You know your son though, and if you feel that he would be unable to cope with any school, a period of respite at home may be better than forcing him back into formal learning too soon. However getting him signed off long term sick may be better than deregistration, as the latter will require you to take full responsibility for your son's education and the LA will not have to do anything else to help you. If he remains on the roll of a school, especially as he now has a statement, the LA still are obliged to meet his needs. You have to weigh up what's best. In answer to the question you originally asked, if you choose to home educate, you do not have to provide anything that looks like a conventional school education: (set timetables, the national curriculum, tests, homework etc.) although it's wise to have some kind of a plan as the LA can and may check that you are providing a "suitable" education. Take a look at the links in the pinned "Home Education" topic at the top of the Education section, for more detailed advice.

 

I wish you well and hope that it won't be too long before things take a better turn for you and your son.

 

K x

[loubeeloulou]

Hi

 

I agree with the above posts. Definatley think about other options. There will be no quick fix either way even if you de-registered it will take time before they will provide help to you,it does vary depending on where you live but I have heard some people only get a tutor for an hour a day which given your son is doing so well I would fear that he would fall behind.

 

Again if you appeal the statement and chose an alternative such as ASD unit this will also take time. However I think it is worth doing some research and maybe visiting some schools.

 

I believe it cannot be good for someone who has depression to be indoors most of the day everyday. I am sure you both need a break from each other as well,so even if he started on a part timetable it would still be beneficial. I also think social skills are important for when he leaves school if he cannot cope now he may never cope and what kind of future would he have then? If he is to attend a specialist school or unit he will learn skills gradually, it really does take time. My son is 8 years old and its taken him 2 years to learn basic social skills and he is still learning. The schools can also give you advice on what to do at home to help him. You can hep his emotional well being and work towards getting him into the right school at the same time, you can also continue working on this when he does start school. I feel if you focused on the emotional side and put the academic side on hold it may hinder his academic ability and may give up all together on any form of education.

 

Ultimatley it is your decision and of course all ASD units or special schools vary so much depending on where you live so it may be that none are even suitable for your son but I am sure its worth looking into. Good luck

He doesn't go out, which I agree, isn't what I want for him. He has limited social interaction, with anyone other than his family. He hasn't attended school formal, since May 2010, full time since Jan 2010, he did two days in Jan 11, which were at a new schl, he has had home tuition, finally, from June this year, but she doesn't have adequate understanding of his needs or his personality, just throws comments such as don't you understand the consequences blah blah blah...He is very mature for a 14 yr old, very bright, can be logical, will defend arguments that happen in the house not involving him and can really justify ssensibility lots of the time for everyone else. But he sees no point to most things, which, unfortunately is the hardest thing to bear for me, his Mum, so as far as his future goes, I can't predict that, nor would be forcing him and physically dragging him (all 6ft of him compared to my 5'4 - impossible) to a placement benefit his state of mind or his education...hence my difficulties finding what is best.

I think an adapted home tuition program with someone ASD qualified or experienced and understanding with the scope for him to majority of work online is the best option currently. At year 9, we don't really have much more time to waste on appeals etc, so I'm just hoping the meeting with Statement write will prove fruitful in a couple of wks!

Thanks

[loubeeloulou]

Hi Loubeelou,

 

Welcome to the forum

 

I really feel for you, as your situation sounds so like my own back in 2004 when my daughter suffered a severe breakdown and was no longer able to attend school. That was the crisis which prompted me to join this forum and I've had wonderful advice and support from the good folk here ever since. I hope you find it equally helpful.

 

Although you may feel there's no obvious way forward for your son at the moment, I just want to hold out a bit of hope. My daughter (academically very able, dx with AS at 15 )was severely ill and depressed for over a year at age 15/16: after trying the start of year 11 and finding it too stressful to go on, she barely left the house or communicated with anyone and was only able to cope with a very limited amount of home tuition - in the end we scaled it right down to half an hour a week and the tutor was basically colouring in pictures with her. She had two lengthy bouts of not speaking at all and her physical coordination deteriorated to the extent that I was helping her dress herself. She was constantly anxious and was self harming. She took, over 18 months, five different kinds of antidepressant.

 

During this time we tried and did not succeed in getting a statement for her to attend a specialist school. In view of her age, we gave up that battle and accepted a place at the local FE college, far from ideal as she was in the learning difficulties department, working way bellow her intellectual level, but it provided the nurture and emotional support she desperately needed while she slowly climbed back to full health.

 

To cut a very long story short (the full version is documented all over this forum over the last 7 years!) she has just started her first year of a degree in English at a highly regarded university. This is without a conventional education: she never achieved a single GCSE or A level but was eventually able to do an Access to Higher Education course at the college, and got in on the strength of that. It took her a long long time to build her confidence to the point where she is able to cope with the academic, social and organisational demands of going to university - but she has done it at the ripe old age of 22 - not too far behind her peers.

 

The point I'm trying to make is - although your son is in a bad place at the moment - don't give up hope that he will come out of this and have every chance of fulfilling his ambitions and his potential, whatever that may be. He may do it in a different way and a little later, that's all. It's hard when you see his peers moving on and upwards on the conventional educational path but try not to worry and just go one step at a time.

 

I agree with others that it's wise to consider all options, especially as you have now got a Statement: there are some very good specialist schools out there which do wonders for children who have been screwed up by the system - definitely worth visiting one or two. There are also good "ordinary" independent schools which, partly because they are smaller, also offer a more supportive environment for young people.

 

You know your son though, and if you feel that he would be unable to cope with any school, a period of respite at home may be better than forcing him back into formal learning too soon. However getting him signed off long term sick may be better than deregistration, as the latter will require you to take full responsibility for your son's education and the LA will not have to do anything else to help you. If he remains on the roll of a school, especially as he now has a statement, the LA still are obliged to meet his needs. You have to weigh up what's best. In answer to the question you originally asked, if you choose to home educate, you do not have to provide anything that looks like a conventional school education: (set timetables, the national curriculum, tests, homework etc.) although it's wise to have some kind of a plan as the LA can and may check that you are providing a "suitable" education. Take a look at the links in the pinned "Home Education" topic at the top of the Education section, for more detailed advice.

 

I wish you well and hope that it won't be too long before things take a better turn for you and your son.

 

K x

Thank you so much, I know I'm not alone in this, but people experience such levels of difference it's hard to find someone who knows exactly what's happening to you at that time. My biggest area of 'lack of info' came mainly from the fact I didn't have anyone to ask about stuff, he won't ever go into a schl setting, I don't believe. But I won't give up just yet I don't think.

I'm going to try for home tutor change, she really is no good the one we have, and I've got him signed off sick for now. I know at yr 9, time isn't running out, but it's not far off, so just getting him something is better than nothing. I know he can access education anytime in his life, it's never too late I know.

I can imagine you are immensely proud of your daughter and looking back, wonder how you managed what you did, as at times, I often wonder how on earth I get up some mornings! Some better than others, recently, dip in med levels due to change, have made things cacky! But it's not the darkest time we have had, and I'm more capable of dealing with things now though.

He doesn't have any friends, which is bad, he speaks to some people occasionally on Facebk, but he hasn't had a social group of peers since yr 7, the start of, nothing since. He is mature though, and speaks to his 20yo sisters friends, sometimes, when feels like it!

I think I have almost become anxious myself, and over worry about things far too much, I won't currently leave him to his own devices whilst I'm at work at the minute, almost over the top I know, but He doesn't have adequeate skills to cook for himself, etc, and his moods are often too low that I feel I can't leave him.

I;m sure, one day, things will be ok. I have everything crossed for this anyway

x

[Sally44]

He sounds very bright.

Is he able to generalise his learning into other situations? Do skills transfer? For many on the spectrum they do learn things, but then find it hard to apply that learning into new or slightly different situations. Is he quite capable of that?

 

Some of his anxiety maybe down to him being bright and self aware and understanding that he is different and wondering how he will make his own way in the world. I know my son worries about that.

 

Whatever form his education takes, just try to make it as appropriate for him as it can be. That maybe via on-line learning, or a placement in an ASD specific school, or it could be a smaller school for gifted children [some of whom are bound to be on the spectrum], and such schools are usually much smaller.

 

His anxiety and processing would benefit from everything being scaled down ie. small, 1:1, small group, low arousal environment etc.

 

The Parent Partnership are supposed to be independent, but their employers are the local authority. They should give you any information and support you need, but they may talk to other LA professionals so don't tell them about any thoughts of de-registering. Parents have had different experiences of the PP. I found them useful for some things ie. to give me some advice, attend meetings, take notes etc. But they are not proactive. They are going to answer your questions and support you in achieving what you want to achieve - and not necessarily tell you the questions you need to be asking the LA or the professionals. There is a difference.

 

For example, after a meeting with school the PP advised me to write to the specialist teaching service to ask them HOW they were going to support my son regarding his diagnosis of dyslexia. At the time I was busy with other things regarding my son, and so did not follow up that advice - mainly because I did not see what it would achieve. When I did finally write the letter, over a year later, the specialist teaching service wrote back telling me they did not have any teachers with an additional qualification for either ASD or dyslexia. So the specialist teaching services were never in a position to meet my son's needs and the PP knew that when we had had the meeting in school over a year ago. And they could have told me that. But rather than doing that, they told me what I needed to do to get the information they knew I needed.

 

So the PP is not necessarily going to tell you everything they know about the LA and its services. They are not going to tell you what you need to know and what you need to do. And if you don't know, you don't know what you don't know. Often it is all about asking the right people the right questions.

 

Regarding the LA's list of schools. You want a list of their maintained, special, approved and independent schools.

 

Usually you get a list of maintained mainstream and special schools. But there are other Approved, Independent, Specialist school that the LA also funds places for and you want that list too.

 

If the only suitable school is in the next, or another LA, your LA can still fund a place there. So you could be up North, and yet have your son in an independent boarding school down south - if you have proven at an educational tribunal that that is the only school that can meet his needs.

Edited November 1, 2011 by Sally44

[Kathryn]

I kept a diary during the whole of our difficult time so I do look back on it and marvel at how things have changed. I'm sure the challenges aren't over for us but at least they are different ones! It is easy to be totally consumed by it all so look after yourself as much as you possibly can. Having a job at least ensures that you do have a bit of an escape from it all.

 

I'm going to try for home tutor change, she really is no good the one we have, and I've got him signed off sick for now. I know at yr 9, time isn't running out, but it's not far off, so just getting him something is better than nothing. I know he can access education anytime in his life, it's never too late I know.

 

Good idea, ask for someone who has understanding and experience of ASD. Not easy, but whilst the LA are still responsible for him, your son is entitled to be educated according to his needs, even while he is at home. The specialist ASD advisory service should be available to support the tutor, just as they would the teachers if he was in school, but you may have to push to get this to happen. It's easier if this provision is written into the statement, then it's legally enforceable if it needs to be. LA's are usually very reluctant to be flexible (it's either full time school or nothing!), but they do have the power to arrange education provision which is outside the school setting for a child with a statement, so don't let them tell you they can't.

 

K x

[loubeeloulou]

I had a meeting yesterday with the proposed statement author, who seems ok I guess. Could be worse she has took my opinions on board and had researched online learning for my boy and has agreed that he should be able to have some kind of mixture of home tuition led by someone suitably experienced in aspergers and enhanced by online learning, which is what is best for him. Couldn't ask for more really! I did have to disagree with a few things such as ...'ultimately, a school placement is our long term goal...' which is I guess, la speak, but I agree in theory, although never see it happening, I've said should he ever request this or feel mentally able to do it, I'll be te first to tell them but for now, home ed paid for by the LA is what is best, dedicated to just one or two subjects, for now, to get him learning something. It isn't an ideal education, but. It's what is best for him, and that's what is best. I know one day, if he wants more he will ask for more or maybe even seek more himself. To get him happier, more mentally stable is much more important than what he is, on paper, capable of achieving but currently unable to achieve, is my goal.

Couple more meetings to go, more research needed, but we are heading in the right direction, so it's positive, for once!

[Kathryn]

Good news so far! LA officers are apt to develop amnesia when verbal promises have been made, so it's good to send in your own summary of what was discussed and agreed at the meeting. Useful evidence if you find the final statement doesn't reflect what was agreed between you.

 

Regarding the long term goal of school: probably not worth worrying about it at this stage, and it could be to your advantage to let the LA think the home based provision is temporary. If the LA want to change the provision in the statement they could do so after the Annual Review in a year's time anyway.

 

So far so good though!

 

K x