Mother in Need Report post Posted January 13, 2006 At the beginning of this school year I made my own home-school book and explained its use to the SENCO. She sort of did this for a few days and then complained she didn't have time for this and it was too difficult to get it back to my son at the end of the day. Then it 'mysteriously' vanished. I had another try today with the new SENCO, and requested for a home-school book to be in place as I have a need to know what happens in school. I.e. something happened yesterday that kept my son in almost continous meltdowns from the moment he came home at 3.30 pm till he went to sleep at 9.30 pm, and started again at 7 am this morning and didn't finish till 11 am or so and prevented him yet again from attending school. This new SENCO did not seem interested in a home-school book, and said that they keep their own incident books. I said, no, not just incidents but even small things, like lesson 1, he worked well even though most others in class did not; I explained that in an instance like that I could see and make school aware (as they haven't got a clue, though I was tactful enough to not say that......yet) that that situation actually greatly stresses him out even though he appeared to be fine. Oh no, the reaction was quite strong, this was not acceptable at all and they could not ask from their TAs that they fill in something like that and certainly not on a lesson by lesson basis. So, I was wondering what others experiences were/are with home-school books? My son is 12 and in year 8, he has AS, ODD, dyslexia, dyspraxic tenencies and diabetes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OPooh Report post Posted January 13, 2006 I'm having this problem too. And as it's me that wants the communication they aren't really bothered - bet it would be different if the boot was on the other foot. Good luck with it....I've given up trying currently Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jools Report post Posted January 13, 2006 i don't have experience of one but i do think they can really serve their purpose its just a shame the school can't see it! like opooh said, i'm sure if he was having meltdowns at school due to any sort of incident at home they would love to have such a book in place what is the HT like? you could try asking them Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
spectrumlady Report post Posted January 13, 2006 My son has a home school book which is excellent. Each lesson has at least a paragraph as to whats gone on and how he has been genera0lly, plus anything else. I write too to say what he has commented on, this gives both parties a picture of whats going on with him and we can act accordingly. I have to say tho' he is in a specialist unit attached to a mainstream school, where he is supported at all times between 4 different LSA's. At his mainstream school he had a home/school book which was filled in after a fashion !!!but there wasn't really much interest and it can easily become a mechanism for having a go between parent and school. Where the staff have a genuine interest, it is very useful indeed and is something, that if used correctly is invaluable. If your child has one to one support, or even if the support is just an extra LSA in the classroom, then there shouldn't be a problem filling it in ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tensing Report post Posted January 13, 2006 My sons' teachers fill it in sometimes, but generally to tell me he has soiled himself or that they have a christmas show, that sort of thing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UltraMum Report post Posted January 14, 2006 You could point out to the SENCo that, as your son has communication difficulties linked to his diagnoses, that, in order to work on his communication and conversation skills, you need information from the school to aid in providing topics of conversation. You could then drop into the conversation that it is inmportant that his disability does not lead to discrimination .. leave them to make the connection. All schools are a bit jumpy about this as one of the first cases involving a school went to the high court and the judgment went against the school and the LEA .... guess whose LEA that was ? Why am I laughing...? The case was regarding the school and the provision of pastoral support: The High Court upheld the SEN Tribunal?s decision that the provision of pastoral support was a matter of planning and organisation and not one of resourcing. In other words the school should have sorted it out by their planning and organisation and not used the excuse that they didn't have the resources to do stuff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Helen Report post Posted January 14, 2006 You could point out to the SENCo that, as your son has communication difficulties linked to his diagnoses, that, in order to work on his communication and conversation skills, you need information from the school to aid in providing topics of conversation. You could then drop into the conversation that it is inmportant that his disability does not lead to discrimination . The phrase 'reasonable adjustment' springs to mind. Mother In Need, you could phone The Disability Rights Commission for some advice, tel: 08457 622 633, Mon-Fri 08:00 - 20:00. My son has a very competent LSA. She writes in the home/school book the homework tasks in detail so there is a clear explanation of what is expected from Daniel. She notifies me of any educational visits/school outings and of any problems that Daniel has experienced in the day. She will let me know (well in advance) when a relevant professional is to visit school to discuss Daniel's education. Any member of staff is able to correspond with me via the home/school book. I always use the book if I want to relay a message to a member of staff. I keep my own record of the h/s book by photocopying each new entry regardless of who has provided the entry. This method of record-keeping has proven to be so valuable. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UltraMum Report post Posted January 14, 2006 I keep my own record of the h/s book by photocopying each new entry regardless of who has provided the entry. This method of record-keeping has proven to be so valuable. We do that too - quite often the book gets 'lost' when there have been a few problems reported in it - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slt101 Report post Posted January 14, 2006 I am never quite sure why schools find a school/home diary so difficult to maintain, it is essential for the SCHOOL to inform parents of the days important/appropriate events. Equally it is important for PARENTS to fill in the diary to let the school know of what has happened at home that could influence schooling. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tensing Report post Posted January 14, 2006 We do that too - quite often the book gets 'lost' when there have been a few problems reported in it - Funny that ours goes missing from time to time. Must be the nome/school diary fairy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LKS Report post Posted January 16, 2006 We had a really good home/ school book in the infants, but for some reason the juniors have found this a huge problem When I asked for one for my statemented son who was going through the most awful time at school, the head said it will all be filled with negative comments, we prefer to deal with things as they happen, we like to deal with matters face to face with parents and any other old garbage he could think of spouting. I even asked the governors whether it would be possible for children with sen to have a home/school book (and I'm not talking about the homework diary) but they came down firmly on the heads side what a surprise. My daughter has one now and her weekly spellings go in and her home reading book, sometimes there will be a comment about some behaviour. My dd is unable to remember or verbalise what she has done at school and I think it would be so helpful for them to be a bit more forthcoming! Most days I have absolutely no idea what she is or has been doing. She has 25 hours of L.S.A. support as well so I don't accept its lack of time from staff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mother in Need Report post Posted January 16, 2006 Is there anything legal anywhere that relates to home/school diaries and the collaboration between parnts and teachers? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phasmid Report post Posted January 17, 2006 (edited) I'm working of the laptop at the momment (desk top is sick) and all my links are on there. Have a look in the CoP, I think there is something about good communications between school/ home in there. Edited January 17, 2006 by phasmid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nellie Report post Posted January 17, 2006 MiN, This is the link to the Code of Practice. http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/3724/SENCodeOfPractice.pdf Look at 2:6, 2:7, 2:8, 2:9 Key principles in communication and working in partnership with parents. Also, look at 2:10, 2:11 Schools working in partnership with parents. Nellie xx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phasmid Report post Posted January 17, 2006 Thanks Nellie, thought there was something in there specific about this. (I have the desktop up and running again (hopefully - just running a virus check program) so I feel fully armed again!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BusyLizzie100 Report post Posted January 17, 2006 My son has a home-school link book that works well. It's not like a diary, but I frequently write stuff in it like 'F had a bad night and is really tired' or 'F has an OT appt on Fri' or 'F has done lots of colouring-in this weekend'; most days school writes something also, usually his LSA but sometimes the teacher. It's often just a paragraph like 'F was reluctant to write today but did some good work.' School are very good about emphasising the positive and I try to do the same, although I think it's important to get a balance and that they know the negatives as well. By the way, my son's in Year 1 which probably makes a big difference. Having a different teacher for each lesson may be more difficult, but surely not impossible? Just a sentence can sometimes make all the difference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mother in Need Report post Posted January 17, 2006 MiN, This is the link to the Code of Practice. http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/3724/SENCodeOfPractice.pdf Look at 2:6, 2:7, 2:8, 2:9 Key principles in communication and working in partnership with parents. Also, look at 2:10, 2:11 Schools working in partnership with parents. Nellie xx Thanks nellie, this is very helpful indeed, i have a copy of the actual book and have just ordered another one to give to the school if they do not seem to have much knowledge of it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LKS Report post Posted January 18, 2006 The thing that always worries me about the code of practice is that it suggests ways that schools and LEA's should behave. It is not law (is it )You only have to be on Krism for 30 seconds to realise that all schools and LEA's interpret this code as they see fit. My school did not see the necessity for a home/school book, the EP does not see why I should want so much information, the LEA say they don't really get involved in school matters, the governors support the head, so I can go in there and quote the COP as much as I like but they don't have to follow it do they. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nvapid Report post Posted January 18, 2006 as your son is in secondary school - a HS book will be difficult. BUT!!! I have just arranged for alternatives for my 13 year old daughter with her head of year. She can email him (totally non punitive - she can say whatever she wants, swear if she feels the need), or create a video diary, or have a book that she will leave in his post hole. At this point a HS book is a way of keeping comunication flowing from student to school and parents to school and back! A HS book at secondary is primarily for kids to be able to voice their concerns - and most importantly, be heard. Expecting a teacher or TA to fill out a HS book for ALL sen kids each lesson (because if you ask for one child - it can be applied to every child, which is what the school fears) is too much to ask. Try 1. he has a book he can write in (like note taking for later) (and you can read the book!) 2. he can email his concerns each day to his head of year if he feels it necessary 3. his head of year is then aware of any issuse and can take them up with the teacher/pupil concerned this keeps you involved, your son in control, and an authority figure dealing with the issues... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UltraMum Report post Posted January 18, 2006 (edited) There's not just the code of practice - there is a "Good Practice Guidance from the Autism Working Group" published by the DfES - you can download a copy from here: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/s...gassistant/asd/ it comes in two parts Here's a quote from Part 1: Guidance on ASD's It is essential that families are provided with information about ASDs and that professionals liaise closely with parents so that the home environment supports any intervention in the school or preschool setting and vice versa. Parents should be given clear advice and information about the special educational needs system and any available services and how to access these if necessary. and another from Part 2: Pointers to Good Practice - under the section re the SENCo in the school based provision (p94 in my copy) Does the SENCO regularly meet the parents to discuss the child?s learning needs and progress and is there frequent communication with parents about children?s experiences at school and at home? Parents are given the opportunity to meet the SENCO and class teacher on a regular basis. There is a home-school diary or alternatively there is use of video diaries or one way screens or photographs. You could always approach the SENCo about it (and don't take any nonsense about them not being aware of it - all schools received a copy when it was published in 2002) - if you get no joy then write a letter to the school, copied to the Chair of Governors and the SEN dept of the LEA asking for the reasons why they have chosen not to use this good practice guidance ... Edited January 18, 2006 by MotherEve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LKS Report post Posted January 18, 2006 Thanks Nvapid some really good ideas for secondary school that I hadn't heard of before. I do also have a really bad problem with communication at daughter's primary. Mother Eve the word that leaps out at me in this is guidance but I LOVE the idea of asking why they have chosen not to use this good practice guidance. Also I think senco's will again use their own interpretation of regular, same sort of woolly wording as is in a lot of statements. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UltraMum Report post Posted January 18, 2006 Mother Eve the word that leaps out at me in this is guidance but I LOVE the idea of asking why they have chosen not to use this good practice guidance. Keep 'em on their toes! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mother in Need Report post Posted January 18, 2006 Mother Eve, which page is that first quote on, I can't find it? Mmmm, looking through those pointers there are very few that his school can actually say yes to, from my experience at least... however, when I quoted a good guidance practice to them the other day in a letter, they went totally balistic, and they now keep telling me that I've got to let 'them as professionals' do their job....... We are seeing the psychiatrist next week and I am thinking to ask him if he could declare my son too stressed out to attend school at the moment, till proper support is in place, i.e. his statement finalised and IMPLEMENTED. Except ofcourse then I have got to deal with him for months to come, 24/7 with absolutely no break, and I don't think I could cope... I think I need a hug! We've tried to communicate via email, but the senco took about 5 days to answer 1/5 of it only and ignored the other 4/5s. That certainly didn't work. My sons communication skills are simply not good enough for those (brilliant!) suggestions Nvapid, and he is dyslexic as well so long writing is out. But the most important hurdle is that he has no real understanding of his own feelings, so most of the time I can only go by his behaviour or I happen to piece remarks together and ask the right questions and only then do I get a picture. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UltraMum Report post Posted January 18, 2006 Mother Eve, which page is that first quote on, I can't find it? Page 17 here's a from J ! J likes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LKS Report post Posted January 18, 2006 MIN <'> <'> for you. Such a simple thing for a school to do, but of course we must let the professionals do their job Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darky Report post Posted January 18, 2006 i must admit, since my girl has been at her new school, the communication has been good. we have a school home diary and it is filled most days. i understand your frustrations as yesterday it wasnt filled in and my girl was in a right old tiz when she came home. it appears a dinner lady had taken a hula hoop off her in the playground. my girl didnt understand why it was taken as she was playing, play fighting, so as she was playing that was ok, then she said she got told off for accidently hitting another child but it wasnt on purpose because she said sorry!. so of course, all in all she was not a happy bunny. what a nightmare i had getting her to school this morning and what a foul mood she was in!! i dont know if thats what exactly happened or what, thats anyones guess, with these kids they tell you how they see it not everyone else!! ive even had her kic off about something thats happened a week before!! i wish schools would realise, that with our kids, the smallest incedent can cause total meltdown for hours. explaining things that have happened no matter how insignificant to us, could save us so much!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mother in Need Report post Posted January 26, 2006 well. I never did have to ask the psychiatrist, school decided he would be better of being at home for a while... and my, I am so not liking this. Before at least he was at school for one or two days a week, and at least that gave me somewhat of a break, but now... Can one ask for a home/school book to be in place in a statement of special educational needs? I mean, well, I have asked for that, but am I going to be able to insist on it? and can one also ask what kind of information goes in it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
