upset. - UPDATED

[fiorelli]

just been speaking to the SENCO from the EOTAS centre Louis attends.

 

apparently their boss at the LEA has 'suggested' these 2 school as placements for Louis. Because of the incident last week where Louis had his trousers pulled down, they are concerned about him staying at the unit.

 

The SENCO has basically told me he is going to have to go to a school. for the 'socialising, education, and to get him from the behaviours of the others at the centre, of which I am going to be dealing with from today'.

 

I had said what I was advised by the Parent partnership lady, and tpeople on here, that I don't want to move him until a statement has been decided upon. All the SENCO kept saying was 'these things take time. The schools you were looking at are all getting filled up with their placements from those on the waiting list. The LEA are really busy with statements for other children...'

 

I had to interupt with 'I'm sorry, but the other children aren't my concern!'

 

I am so concerned that they are going to force me into sending Louis somewhere that is totally unsuitable for him. and that our problems are going to start all over again.

 

 

 

 

 

Right, I've done a couple of things today...

 

I've written an e-mail to the educational psychologist, as when she assessed Louis, she was very much of the opinion that a mainstream school wasn't the best thing for Louis, plus she asked if she could have some input into which school would be best for Louis. Unfortunately, I got an 'out of office auto-reply' as she's on holiday until Monday. But that shouldn't be too much of a problem, as it's half term then, so a bit of leeway.

 

I've also phoned IPSEA, and spoke to a lovely lady, who's name I didn't catch .

 

Anyway, I outlined what was happening with the Statement, and asked her opinion. She is of the same opinion as the LEA that they need to get the PROPOSED statement to me by 22nd March. BUT, that her opinion from the reports that have been collated is that the LEA are going to give the statement (I have been told in a roundabout way that we are getting it from the LEA, it is just the timings of it that have been bothering me.) She believes that timescales have been blurred and have gotten confusing because of the problems in the beginning with regards to the LEA turning down the assessment, then changing their mind.

 

I also mentioned about the EOTAS centre. She expressed concern about what they are trying to do. She seems to think that EOTAS believe that they are no longer the right place for Louis. She has suggested I write to the SEN team at the LEA about Louis's statement, and explain what is happening, expressing the concerns I have at the moment, and see if there is anything they can do. She has told me to copy the letter to the head of EOTAS.

 

She also phoned me back to suggest I speak to Louis's old headteacher, and get her opinions/suggestions/help to sort out EOTAS.

 

I suppose things have been going a bit too well in the beginning for us to not have problems now.

 

 

 

UPDATE NO.2.....I've just had the Principal SEN Officer phone me!!!!! Apparently she has 'had lots of letters and e-mails from various people who obviously care about Louis, including EOTAS urging me to complete the statement as soon as possible' and after saying that she couldn't tell me if he was getting a statement or not, she said that 'I can assure you that you will get the proposed statement before the deadline (22nd March), earlier if possible'

Edited February 8, 2006 by fiorelli

[CarerQuie]

You are entitled to write to the LEA to request a Statutory assessment.You do not have to agree to a move if it isn't suitable.xx

[Kazzen161]

just been speaking to the SENCO from the EOTAS centre Louis attends.

 

apparently their boss at the LEA has 'suggested' these 2 school as placements for Louis. Because of the incident last week where Louis had his trousers pulled down, they are concerned about him staying at the unit.

 

The SENCO has basically told me he is going to have to go to a school. for the 'socialising, education, and to get him from the behaviours of the others at the centre, of which I am going to be dealing with from today'.

 

I had said what I was advised by the Parent partnership lady, and tpeople on here, that I don't want to move him until a statement has been decided upon. All the SENCO kept saying was 'these things take time. The schools you were looking at are all getting filled up with their placements from those on the waiting list. The LEA are really busy with statements for other children...'

 

I had to interupt with 'I'm sorry, but the other children aren't my concern!'

 

I am so concerned that they are going to force me into sending Louis somewhere that is totally unsuitable for him. and that our problems are going to start all over again.

 

 

It really strikes me that it is EOTAS that do not want your child there any longer. Our LEA are well-known for using PRU/EOTAS as a baby-sitting service. They are only supposed to be short-term placements.

 

I would ask EOTAS if they are saying that they cannot ensure the safety and well-being of your child? Whose going to protect him from bullying at a mainstream school?

 

Saying that the schools you are looking at are getting filled up, is telling. I am sure they are going to drag their heels over issuing the statement as long as possible. Please do consult IPSEA over the timings and write to you MP as soon as they have exceeded it. If EOTAS want him moved, then they need to chase the LEA to issue a statement.

 

>>'I'm sorry, but the other children aren't my concern!'

 

Well done for putting them in their place!

 

Karen

[nvapid]

do not accept a "managed move" it will give you no ability to protest it in the future

[fiorelli]

updated!

[Kazzen161]

I suppose things have been going a bit too well in the beginning for us to not have problems now.

UPDATE NO.2.....I've just had the Principal SEN Officer phone me!!!!! Apparently she has 'had lots of letters and e-mails from various people who obviously care about Louis, including EOTAS urging me to complete the statement as soon as possible' and after saying that she couldn't tell me if he was getting a statement or not, she said that 'I can assure you that you will get the proposed statement before the deadline (22nd March), earlier if possible'[/color]

 

Seems like you've managed to get his statement to the top of the pile - well done!!!

 

Karen

[UltraMum]

UPDATE NO.2.....I've just had the Principal SEN Officer phone me!!!!! Apparently she has 'had lots of letters and e-mails from various people who obviously care about Louis, including EOTAS urging me to complete the statement as soon as possible' and after saying that she couldn't tell me if he was getting a statement or not, she said that 'I can assure you that you will get the proposed statement before the deadline (22nd March), earlier if possible'

 

A few rattled cages?

 

 

Hope they get it to you soonest

[fiorelli]

Have now recieved a reply from my e-mail to the ed. psych. As I thought, she can't say what placement she thinks is best for Louis.

 

However, she does say that she thinks at this stage, it is important for the statement to be in place before any decisions are made.

 

 

Now, it seems that the people I have spoken to with regards to EOTAS wanting to send Louis to a mainstream school at the moment, are against the decision. No-one feels it is right. We have just got to get EOTAS to understand that.

 

 

Right, off to write a letter to the 'Head' of EOTAS at the LEA...

[Hectorshouse]

good ole ed psycho sitting on the fence!!! She can comment on whether or not she feels m/stream is appropriate, she offers advice and/or recommendations to the LEA it is up to the LEA whether they take them or not, she is obviously under pressure from the LEA not to do this as it would add support to your case for alternative provision other than m/stream.

 

If everyone else is saying that m/stream isn't suitable then what are the alternatives? have you managed to research alternative provision in special schools or indepent ones?