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Are you trying to cut your way through the special needs education jungle in the UK?
This website offers tips, resources and advice to parents negotiating the special needs statutory assessment and statementing process. It’s written by people who have been through it, not professionals, so we cannot offer legal advice, but can point you in the direction to find it if that’s what you need. It’s mainly to help get you off the starting blocks and to provide links to established organisations who can help if problems arise along the way. It will provide links to useful sites and tips on how to get prepared and stay motivated throughout the process.
Getting a statement for your child is an exhausting, time consuming and often demoralising process. Local Education Authorities are usually budget, not child, focused for obvious reasons. They are required to provide an adequate, but not necessarily the best, education for every child.
If you want your child to go to a particular school because you believe it is the only place they will be able to have a good chance of an “adequate” education you must be prepared for an undoubtedly long, often drawn out, stressful process. Only the most persistent and prepared will be successful. Local Education Authorities (LEAs) aren’t about to make it easy for you; they will give you the least possible they can get away with. At least one LEA has told its schools, staff and Special Needs Co-ordinators (SENCos) that they must not support parents at an SEN Tribunal, citing parents who have an “agenda” to send their child to an independent special school at the LEA’s expense.
The fact is, for many high-functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children or those with dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia, a mainstream school often does not have the expertise or the resources needed to provide an “adequate” education because these children need a different style of teaching.
LEAs are also focused on so-called “inclusion” but miss the point that the ultimate goal is to enable children to be included in society as an adult. Making them all dance to the same tune in a test-driven, national curriculum based mainstream education system will turn mainstream children into successful mainstream adults, but those “square peg” children who do not fit into the “round hole” of the state system may end up never reaching their potential.
This site is not anti-LEA but LEAs have budgets to stick to and the power to decide where they will spend it. This site is to help parents get started on cutting their way through the special needs jungle from a parent’s perspective so they know what help is out there for them to get the education their child needs.
If you know of a good site that offers help, please send the link to info@specialneedsjungle.co.uk so that we can enlarge the knowledge base available and give under-pressure parents a fair chance of coming through the special needs jungle with their sanity intact and their child in the right educational setting.
Katie Hughes
/ June 16, 2009Hi
Just a thank you I think!
I have a place for my son (high functioning autism/Asperger’s) at secondary school. I have just been to visit an Independent School which will suit him so much better. I have been advised (Educational Psychologist) not to apply for a statement as his behaviour is not bad enough and his educational attainment is not poor enough to get one.
I have just read your comments and believe that my son needs a statement and needs funding by the LEA to receive an appropriate education. He will not cope at the local secondary school and despite their assurances that he will have support it will not be enough to help him to understand what is expected of him socially and indeed academically.
I have his annual SEN review (school action plus – he has an IPA) next week and will be telling them that is what I will be doing.
Regards
Katie Hughes
Rachel
/ November 25, 2009Thankyou for sharing your journey- there’s lots of really invaluable info here…just had to get my twins (1 autistic) out of really rough school, so I know what its like to bang your head against the Local Authority Brick Wall!….
Rachelx
Crystal Jigsaw
/ November 27, 2009Hi, I found you through BMB. My daughter, Amy, is autistic. She attends a mainstream school which upto now, we have found no fault. She is very lucky however, as she receives a statement of 26 hours support a week, but her support worker is actually at the school all day with Amy. She has been with Amy now for 6 years so knows her inside-out, in some cases, I think she knows her better than I do!
I have found, since Amy’s diagnosis in October 2003, that it’s all about money. I have tried to be one step ahead most of the time and have always had a long written report ready to add to the statement. Most of the influence in a statement will come from the teaching staff because it is drawn from an educational environment, but as Amy’s mum, I have been very forthcoming and made sure staff, panel, and the LEA realise that I am Amy’s advocate. It’s sometimes a struggle, but providing we parents stay focused, have an agenda, put over exactly what WE require and stick to it, then it makes the whole procedure a lot easier.
I have a blog, http://www.crystaljigsaw.blogspot.com, where I often post about Amy – I don’t post too much information about the school though.
This is a great blog – I have added you to my blogroll.
Best wishes, Kathryn Brown (aka Crystal Jigsaw) xx
Stacey
/ November 30, 2009I’m just starting to enter the horrid web of SEN/Statemented/ Severe Speech and Language needs in secondary mainstream school that does not take on board adequately and compassionately your childs individual needs!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!
Help, what do we do to ensure that our son has APPROPIATE support.
I never envisioned how hard things could be… why?
Do all secondary schools say that it is not in their SEN policy to not provide 1:1 in classroom settings?
A very concerned and unhappy mum.
Special Needs Mum
/ December 1, 2009Stacey
You need to speak to your SENCo is you haven’t already and make sure that your son’s needs have been properly assessed – if not already, ask them to get the LEA Ed Psych to assess him. If you have a statement his needs should be laid out in there but not necessarily comprehensively or even accurately. Try your local Partnership with Parents and if they’re no good, try SOS!SEN’s website. Good luck!
Stacey
/ December 2, 2009Thank you ‘Special Needs Mum’!
Its good to have a response. Im currently in the process of waiting…. VERY ANXIOUSLY for a reply from an SEN Officer. My husband and I have decided that the best way forward is to transfer our son to a new secondary school(we already have one in mind)and have arranged to visit it on Friday. His current school cannot or should I say will not provide to meet his individual needs, i.e will not supply 1:1 LSA in classroom setting (due to their new SEN policy ????). I will make sure that once I receive the all important call from the SEN officer that I will put to him all that has to looked into and changed to help my son achieve his full potential in mainstream school. This will include a reassessment/updating of his Statement and to be placed in a school that can provide a 1:1 – which is clearly stated in his last Statement as being necessary for him to be able to access the National Curriculum!
I would just like to STRESS to all mums/Dads of SEN children, you know them best!!!! You know when their needs are not being met. It is extremely stressful and hard to fight this system but if you don’t, no-one else will. These kids are counting on us to help them out- Listen to their needs, their voice! I wish all of you out there the very best with your struggles and I also hope for my son that I stay strong and win this battle for him. xx
K. S
/ January 15, 2010Hi
We have just managed to get our son into a school with SEN support and small classes, that supports his needs. It has taken 8 years of hard battles with the LEA, to get his SEN needs met & funded. He has gone from being an angry young boy, with no friends, to a happy, smiling, confident child. It is incredible what a difference a school makes! It has been worth all the exhaustion, stress and long hours Googling on the computer, writing letters and compiling tribunal paperwork. It is a sad truth, but no one is going to fight for your child’s needs to be met as much as you yourselves. My advice is get all the help you can (friend, family, church, support groups etc.) If you can, find a local parent that has achieved their goal – ask them if they’d be happy to give you some starting points and guidance. If there is any way you can afford some legal advice, get it asap from a well-respected educational lawyer. Often a lawyers letter, pointing out that the child’s legal rights are not being met is all it takes to obtain some action in the right direction. Wishing you all the very best with your journey.
David
/ February 19, 2010Reading the above, do take care with Parent Partnership – they porport to be independent, but are actually paid by the LEA and often share accommodation with them.
They are NOT independent.
Try IPSEA or SOSSEN websites for initial contact
Simon
/ May 24, 2010As a non-resident father I fought to get my son with autism into a residential school.
The LEA s first response was to attempt to strike me off claiming I did not have the right as a non-resident parent. I took them to the Tribunal and was pleased that the judges did not agree with them. They were ordered to pay compensation to a children’s charity.
After this they continued to fail by son working on paper work 10 years out-of-date and claiming his needs were being met. Obviously I was not going to accept this. I found the key is to put everyone involved on a stage by e-mail. Do not waste time with phone calls. Send e-mails so you have a log of all communications and let all involve see what is being said to each other. Do not be afraid to challenge them. The’professionals’are more concerned with their own reputations that they are quicker to respond. It does take perserverance and determination but in the end you can get there. It took me 2 years but my son is now at a residential school chosen by me. I must however say all of this would not have been achieved without the wonderful help of the Children`s Legal Centre in Chelmsford which is a registered charity. I would highly recommend them. They are a group of solicitors who really care. I wish you every success with your own children.
Helen
/ June 14, 2010Hi
We have a son who is severely dyslexic and has aspergers. We are currently appealling surrey’s refusal to give him a statement.
Ideally we would like him to go to More House a specialist independent school and are waiting on the outcome of the appeal. We are aware that in the autumn he and other children his age will have to apply to secondary school and we are worried More House may be full before we get a decision. We are also concerned that if we try and find the money to get him there sooner that we could be left having to pay fees forever and that the LEA may take the opinion he is already there and the parents are funding him.
Does anyone have any idea of whether it is better to transfer him now or to wait.
Helen
Tania
/ June 14, 2010Helen. Both my boys are at MHS and neither had a statement before they went. They both now do and are funded by Surrey. Being there already is no barrier to being funded although as you say you have to make sure you can afford the fees indefinitely in case you do not get funding. You must make the best and most full case you can. More House is expanding all the time. The best thing to do is contact Mrs Huggett in admissions asap. Let me know if you would like me to email you privately with more information.
Helen Woods
/ June 14, 2010Thanks Tania
It would be really great if you could e-mail me with more information. I have just activated my e-mail account so that I will get replies by e-mail.If you could contact me again i will try to reply direct to you.
Helen
yanah
/ February 13, 2011hi just read you note i have the same thing just won appeal to get assesed for statement i cant afford to send to more hse with out statment they are so good at that school i have been told the chance of getting in sept is good for year 7 however i spoke with them and they have said statment will not be compleat in the time as if i get offered one it will be for stupid 3hour a week then to appeal takes another 10/12 week to increase maybe 4/5 hr help but for funding as i understand it i need minimum of 8 hrs i have a11 yr old who has twice tried to kiil himself as he feels thick dumb and stupid at waverley abbey school it has taken since june last year to win appeal to get him assesed any help tips anything please email me Y_ford@sky.com any help please i just dont no what to do.
Tania
/ June 14, 2010Have emailed you
Liz
/ June 16, 2010Hi,
I have just come across this site and I don’t know whether to whoop with joy or cry with despair! It is so empowering to know that others have gone through similar experiences, but saddening that we have to do this. My son struggled through mainstream education until Year 3. We were told there was nothing wrong, he was still ‘within average range’. But we knew things weren’t right. He has just spent the past three and a half years at a fantastic independent school for children with SpLD (Chiltern Tutorial School in Hampshire) which has been the best thing I have ever done.
He is now having to move onto secondary school (Slindon College in West Sussex) but is experiencing extreme anxiety, including difficulty eating. His current school suggests that he may have a sprinkling of Aspergers to add to the mix of dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia!
We haven’t had any financial support from the LEA. We have always been told that he would never get a statement but I know he couldn’t cope in mainstream school. We are struggling to pay the fees for his special school, along with the travel costs (we drive 500 miles a week to get him to and from school).
How is it possible for me to prove that he can’t cope in mainstream school if he hasn’t been in one for the past three and a half years? Is it worth me taking steps towards hassling the LEA and if so, where do I start?
Any help is gratefully received!
Many thanks,
Liz
Special Needs Mum
/ June 17, 2010You approach it in exactly the same way. I would commission an Independent Ed Psych so you can get an accurate picture of your son’s needs. They will be able to advise you on whether your son would stand a chance of getting a statement – Hampshire are quite tough. ALso get an OT report – this can be done privately too if you can. Speak to your school’s SEN coordinator and discuss it with them. Next, gather together all reports you have and your son’t school reports and ask for an assessment from your school as well. When you have all your reports, go through them and take out the pertinent details – use the form on this site under “Statement Checklist”. Then contact your LEA for the application documents – they will send you a form with headings but you can write your own document, incorporating their headings as well. My report was 25 pages long with 36 appendices! Good luck!
Claire Ellis
/ May 3, 2011Hi my son has a statement and is currently in a special school in Northern Ireland. But we will soon be on the move again. I really want my son to go to a boarding school for continuity i have looked at slinton college but they are reluctant as worried they cant provide enough provision for him. Dont know where to go next any help appreciated
Tania
/ May 3, 2011Claire, you could perhaps obtain a list of specialist schools in the area you’re moving to and call one of them asking for advice? If he’s autistic, the NAS have an extensive databank on their website.
DanniiMac
/ June 30, 2010Hi there!
Have just come across this site at the beginning of what i’m guessing is going to be a very long road to getting my son Jake (severe Aspergers) into a suitable secondary school.
To date we have been extremely lucky with the system and he has always been taught within a small special needs unit. Now we are beginning the secondary transfer and have found the PERFECT school for Jake. Even he commented that he ‘belonged’ there after a tour. The difficulty (as always) lies with the local authority (Medway) and the school who are strongly advising us against applying for the perfect school as it is private and the LEA won’t pay for it.
I am sitting here trying to compose a letter to the LEA detailing why I feel that the private school will suit Jake’s needs better than a local authority school which at best will require him in integrate 50% of the time! SO stressed! Any suggestions on what to put in this letter would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou for being here!
Dannii x
Special Needs Mum
/ July 1, 2010Hi Dannii
I am assuming from your post that your son already has a statement so the issue is school transfer. You need, however to approach it in a similar way. Gather evidence as to why the school you want is so perfect (including OFSTED reports, perhaps the school could write something saying how they could support Jake) and, more importantly, why he won’t cope in the LEA school. Use reports from the current school, even commission an Ed Psych report to support your case (of how he needs to bein a specialised environment) if you think it would be worth the money. You could ask for a meeting with the Area Special Needs Manager to explain your case. You should also visit the LEA school and SENCo yourself if you haven’t already done so and include in your parental preference form or whatever, solid reasons why it isn’t suitable from your own opinion of visiting. You should stress how you have been happy within the state system until now but this new school will be detrimental to your son’s learning and his psychological state and how you believe the LEA school will not be able to provide the educational environment or support to enable your son to be prepared for adult life. How it cannot offer training in the social skills that he needs etc etc. State your case rationally, think of any arguments the LEA may come up with and have answers for them before the arise. You could also do a cost analysis of the new school you want (fees) against the base cost of the LEA school and all the support (including any external OT, SLT) You may be able to find these figures on your council website if you look closely and extensively enough (use google rather then the website’s search engine) Good luck and do let me know how you get on. Tamia
Louise
/ January 16, 2011Hi Dannii
I would love to talk to you – I too amd in Medway and am on the same path and feel very lost!!!
Melissa Round
/ July 6, 2010My son is almost 10 years old and has severe problems with handwriting, which is now impacting on the progress that he is making at school. (He also has a number of other health and anxiety issues).
I have been told by his School that he cannot have an Educational Psychologist’s Assessment without already having a Statement – is this true?
Thanks in advance
Melissa.
Tania
/ July 7, 2010Hi Melissa. No this is not true. Ed Psychs are an integral part of deciding who needs a statement in the first place. They can also be called in by schools concerned with the progress of a student to give them advice on what action to take. Look on your council website and find info about your LEA Ed Psych. You should be able to call them and ask them for advice yourself too.
Vicki
/ July 8, 2010Hi
This site sounds like a fantastic resource and hopefully somewhere I can gain much needed advice (and hopefully share some of my own expereinces to help others). My son was 9 weeks prem and had 3 mild brain haemoraghes as a result. Developmentally he hit the ground running (walking before a year old, talking 90 to the dozen etc), however he always had a very high level of activity and never slept, he siomply seemed to not need the sleep. From about the age of 2 we were aware his behaviour left alot to be desired and he never seemed to learn not to do things, his social skills were pretty poor. We have been fighting the system for a diagnosis for 4 years and they always came back to learning difficulties due to the brian bleeds at birth. We refused to accept this feeling he showed autistic traits and ADHD, so insisted on a brain scan to rule the bleeds out (we were right, there was no visible damage to the brain, although we do agree there could be some micro-damage which cant be seen), and eventually got an ADHD / aspergers assessment when he turned 6. He now has the ADHD diagnosis (inattentive and impulsive type) but this doesnt qualify him for any extra help even though we are constantly being told he needs 1:1 support. As he has the inattentive type of ADHD he is failing to concentrate long enough to learn (since starting medication this has improved slightly). We have also been told he has aspergers tendancies, but they dont want to officially diagnose it and ‘label him for life’ I quote. Yes in the grand scheme of ASD, he is on the mild end of it, but when the school educational psychologist is suggesting the school contacts the Autism Advisory Board for support and if they get any comeback as it is not an official diagnosis to contact her and she will send a letter of support, I think thay says it all. Noone wants to take the responsibility to get him officially daignosed as he would be entitled to more I assume.
Its so hard, I had a meeting today with the SENCO about his transition to the next class (year 2) and what support he will receive and no one gives you a straight answer. It appears the school will provide classroom support through the teaching assistant (who has completed SEN training), but she is also there to support 30 other kids.
Does anyone know what an ADHD child would be entitled to? The school also want him assessed for number work, we feel he is dyslexic as well, and his social skills and strange tendencies are affecting his learning and friendships but as he is not 3 years behind he does not qualify for a statement in our county council (Dacorum, Hertfordshire).
I would love to fight the system, and try and get him more help but have no idea where to start. I do get copies of all reports and keep a file and I also write down everything said in meetings. I have notes and records and reports right from birth (the file is getting quite thick now!), it would be good to put them all to some good use!
many thanks and thanks for reading
Vicki
guerrillamum
/ September 1, 2010MESSAGE FOR VICKI RE POSSIBLE ASPERGERS ADHD DIAGNOSIS
Vicki
Hi, I have a child with Asperger’s and ADHD, along with some other things. I have responded to this post because it sounds so familiar to how we were treated by our son’s school/doctors. After several years of suspecting his diagnoses, we eventually asked for an out of area referral to Great Ormond Street where he received his diagnoses. He now has a statement and full time help in school (he has had it from the age of 9), and although he is still on the spectrum, and still has his difficulties, he now has all he needs to access the curriculum and is doing very well in school. You just have to be very persistent. It sounds like you are already getting yourself organised to fight this. The National Autistic Society can help, and there are some good resources indicated on this wonderful blog.
Ellen
EnjoyHi5Autism
/ December 13, 2010Good info. How do we Suscribe or RSS to receive your postings.?. We are using the email now.
Louise
/ January 16, 2011Hi Danniimac
I too am unfortunately in Medway and am going down the same road as you!
I would love to talk to you and exchange some ideas – I too ad challenging the school that MEdway have offerred!
ODay
/ March 7, 2011So So glad to find this. I have been struggling for the past two years with my son’s school. He is statemented autistic/hyperactive and I myself am a lone disabled parent getting no help from social services. My son is getting more and more violent in school and has attacked people/destroyed class rooms and is obviously very distraught but the county has seen fit to close all the autism units but one, which has a huge waiting list. No one even suggested for a moment that I could choose a independent school as an option but I thought there was a clause that, if there are no schools which can provide for a child’s needs that the LEA has to pay the fees? I suppose that’s something they don’t want to talk about too much?! In any event I am hardly able to pay the fees myself so doing what I can to get help and support as there are several schools close to me in other counties which would be residential and much better suited. But if I ever start looking for schools and talk about the idea with my son I get accused of undermining the current school’s effectiveness!
I am working with parent partnership but I do notice the LEA pays their wages – considering I’ve just realised that the SENCo at the school left out some details about how long my son has been struggling, I’m not sure who to trust. I’m barely able to keep myself functioning and this is wearing me out.
sabrina dixon
/ May 1, 2011Hello. I am having real problems with my sons school.He is statemented after huge fight with the council but now I’m having to deal with the school refusing to listen to my views on anything. My biggest problem is the way they comunicate negative information to me. I have asked so many times that this be done face to face or with a phonecall but they continue to write them in his diary. I have explained I have ADHD and such comments put a bug in my head and I can not let it go. The most recent comment was on Thursday when I was casually informed that he had run out of school and brought back by some parents. I am so angry I havent been able to sleep. Can anyone tell me if I have any legal right to demand a decent level of comunication or what my best course of action is.Do I inform ofsted please help!
Lindsay
/ June 4, 2011My six year old as ASD and is a mainstream school. The LEA has finally agreed to assess him – we’re just at the beginning of the process. I have visited a (state-run) special school in the next borough which I think would be ideal for him (it’s in Islington, we live in Haringey) – small classes, moderate learning difficulties, encouraging the kids to socialise together and improve their social skills, etc. Does anyone have any tips on how I could give myself a better chance of him getting in, if I put it down as my named school on the statement? I approached a lawyer to see if they could help and was told it would cost £7.5K to go through tribunal, if it came to that. We just don’t have that kind of money. My son has no friends, and is just left on the computer to keep him quiet so the other kids (in his mainstream school class) can be attended to. His behaviour has become progressively worse at home, as he’s clearly frustrated at what’s happening at school. The EP is visiting me at home on Tuesday – any tips as to what I should say to her (I understand EPs can refer kids to special schools) – any ideas as to how I can get her onside early on in the process, thereby giving myself a better chance of getting him into this school?
Angela Moseling
/ July 12, 2011hi there i just wondering if there is any chance anyone can help me i have a 6 yr old daughter and she has been disguised with asd in October 2010,but I’ve been having many problems with her at school as she goes to a main stream school because off her behavior (mainly, she is very violent) and the level she is working at is for 4 yr old.I have had to attend meany off meeting at the school called tact meeting’s and i just seem to be getting nowhere,they are offering me little help,she has been suspended twice now and now she is doing a part time time table in which she is only going to school from 8.50am till 12pm,they remove her from class most off the time and they take her to nursery(which is attached to the school and is where our senco teacher is based as well)and they only get her to do 15 mins off work then she plays with younger children and she has also had her lunch in there as well(as I’ve seen this for myself as i have a younger daughter that attends nursery.And i just fell like i’m bang my head against a brick wall,I’ve been going through this with the school since she started and have had thousands off phone calls to go and collect her,all I’m being told by the senco is we haven’t got enough evidence to have her statemented yet even though she has been assessed by many different people,if there is anyone that can help me i would be very gratefully,as I’m so worried about her education now,I’ve had loads off help a good friend off mine who has gone throw the same as me with her son,but there is only so much i can ask off her
Tania
/ July 13, 2011Hi. You could try talking to SOS!SEN http://www.sossen.org.uk/
Hopefully yhey can help you!
Stebs
/ August 20, 2011We have been through 3 tribunals for my son’s SEN and now heading for a 4th. He has high functioning Aspergers and extremely gifted. He has a place at grammar school and we had to go to tribunal to get the LA to let him go there!!! Now we are heading for disability discrimination tribunal regarding LA’s refusal to let him go to the school of our choice. Please can someone advise us? Case statement is due next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nancy Williams
/ August 25, 2011Hi Tania.
Wow! I am so impressed with everything you have achieved since we last met. I still have the boys files and photos of our activity days. Its amazing what you are doing to help so many desperate parents and may I ask permission to link your amazing site to our web. As usual I have been too involved with the children and parents we work with to have updated our site… in fact I still dont dare advertise it as we are unable to manage the cases we have.
We had a three year contract with Surrey Childrens fund for an educational advisor who offered the same advocacy and advice that you are sharing, but also visited schools and liaised with SENCo’s and parents.
they cut the contract after a year and I am left with 48 families that I am unable to support personally… although they are all registered with us and we have details on our data base.. we continue to offer therapy through groups and this helps parents to meet and share support. We have now had Activity worker post cut and are struggling to maintain our service… however we still own The Studio and the garden setting saves my sanity, whilst trying to offer support to so many mothers that are in despair and fighting for the special needs of their children. The government is so short sighted in recognising the value of funding preventative work in childhood.
I think you are a shining star Tania in the Jungle Tania and hope we can meet up again soon.
Very best wishes Nancy
Special Needs Mum
/ August 31, 2011Hi Nancy, of course you an link here! I am planning to write an ebook for parents on how to set out their statement application, based on this site. It will be available on Kindle and pdf as well as other ebook formats. It will be based on my experiences, so it will be parent-to-parent.
Do let me know if I can help with any publicity for fundraising activities you have! Good luck!
Emma
/ August 30, 2011Hi
I have an 8 year old son who has ADHD with possibly asperger traits. I have recenty applied for Disability Living Allowance for him and this was turned down and has now been put forward for a tribunal in 4 weeks time. I went to The Hub in Epsom where they have told me to contact Citizens Advice to no avail as yet. Any advice please from parents.
Thanks!
Emma
Special Needs Mum
/ August 31, 2011Emma. You say ‘possibly Asperger traits’. Is it possible for you to get a firm diagnosis? It is always easier to negotiate bureaucracy when you have solid names for things and definite diagnoses.
For your tribunal, I would carefully observe your son and note down all the difficulties he faces that are greater than a ‘normal’ child of his age. Get your DLA application form out, if you have a copy, and make sure you have included all these – even if it means repeating yourself. Can he wash without being reminded? When he washes, does he just stand under the shower without using soap without being told? Does he have social and communication difficulties, is he a danger to himself and others? Think about these things and make some notes of what you want to add at the tribunal. Good luck!
Anonymous
/ September 8, 2011Hi
Thank you that is a great help. I contacted Citizens Advice also and they were really helpful and have advised similar things ie make a diary of a typical week and note what needs/help etc my son requires compared to an average 8 year old.
Wish me luck!
Emma
Special Schools in Hampshire
/ September 1, 2011Your site is a fantastic resource for many parents out there. Keep up the good work.
Gabriela
/ September 16, 2011Hi mums and dads all of your special children. My son was diagnosed autistic at the age of 3. But I have been concerned since he was about 18months of age. Often professionals (GP, health visitors) told me I was paranoid and he is just typical boy with some delay in his development. Since then I feel I have to constantly fight for my son’s rights. I feel disgusted in this “dysfunctional system” I have been patronised in schools meetings, even called “bully” by the head teacher only because I’m not scared of raising my concerns and issues. I think lots of schools do not like to be challenged. My child is in year 1. Last year I have spent hours in meetings to create appropriate care plan and risk assessment, which ware not fallowed. My child walked away from school and no staffs has even recognised him missing till I came to collect him from school. Police had to be involved in his search. Luckily they found him hour later and he was well and happy. Since then school is not being helpful. Every meeting I get mixed messages about the level of support my child receives. Apparently my child is not priority for statement as he doesn’t have challenging behaviour. I requested a daily written communication for my son as he has got very few words at the age of 6. According to head teacher my request is not feasible. I contacted few schools for transfer, but fortunately without statement is not easy at all. I’m now at the point of composing a complain letter and take things to the next level. I’m scared, but motivated to win this long battle.
I just want to say I find all your comments so helpful, you all given me extra strength. I know I can get my child statement and find him a school where they care as much as I do.
God has given us child with special needs as he knew we can cope and we are very strong individuals, even I often feel otherwise. My child is gorgeous, happy boy and I love him just the way he is. It is shame our hard work and daily battles are not recognised and is disgusting we all have to fight for our children equal opportunities and their rights.
You are all amazing parents and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Be strong, got bless you and give you all the strength you need.
p.s. please ignore any mistakes in my text. I’m dyslexic myself plus English is my second language. Thanks for understanding
Louise Stella Womble-Collins
/ September 17, 2011Apply for a statement and get help to compose your application, you do not need “permission” from the school for this!
Annette
/ September 27, 2011Hi,
I am appealing the decision of my local authority refusing an education statement for my daughter, who has a malfulmation of the brain known as chiari 1 type and global development delay, although her delays won’t progress they will also not improve, ive recently been diagnosed with aspergis and as a result my daughter is now also being assessed for this too, also her younger brother has Autism.
Although i don’t like injustice, im also not very good at expressing this, does anyone know of someone who would do my mitigation for me at our tribunal.
Special Needs Mum
/ September 28, 2011Hi Annette. You should try ipsea http://www.ipsea.org.uk or sos!sen: http://www.sossen.org.uk. You can also try the National Autistic Society’s Advocacy Service: http://www.autism.org.uk/advocacy. Any of these should be able to help you. Best wishes Tania
Anonymous
/ October 2, 2011Hi Tania, sorry for all your encounters but please try also some of your local Citizens Advice Bureau. They are good at it and they could help you find a Solicitor which is free? Just try someone told me in the past when I felt so lost that I was completely in despair that if they close the door on you try to get out of the window? Easy been said but there’s always hope. God bless you and may you’ll have the courage and win your battles!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous
/ September 28, 2011Hello
My daughter was brain hemorrhage trauma at birth and I was told that if ever she’ll survive she will never walk nor talk! I couldn’t digest what the doctor was telling me at the time when I woke up from emergency cesarian operation,so he said CABBAGE? I was so upset and so sad so I did my very best to look after her even I don’t sleep at all for weeks I didn’t mind me at all! My concern is my child. She was so poorly when she was a baby with constant fits so She slept on my hands always at night till I could no longer carry when she became heavy at 4 yrs.old though she still fits and goes to intensive care unit till 6 yrs.of age. She is now 10yrs.old but talking,walking, singing and dancing. Infact even horse riding on weekends!
She’s statemented with 1to1 and she’s in Primary School. She is now in year 6 that I need to look for a school but the Senco are not helpful. They kept on insisting that I should look for the special school which I absolutely won’t agree so I need advise on how to get in the chosen School without difficulties? I had been told that if my child’s level is below1 they won’t take her? I’ve asked her teacher and she said that other subject in reading grade is 1b and maths is p8 I know she is not good in numbers but in eEnglish she is 1c which she could improve really in time but am really worried of how to get her in? She,s also attending Sylvia Young Theatre Schooll which she likes dancing and her singing is really one of her best of ability so far! Her writing is coming along and I want to encourage her with her best potential to achieve as she already proven herself that she is able to learn and more. Any advice? Greatly appreciated !!!
Thank you
Emma
Special Needs Mum
/ September 28, 2011Hi Emma. Your daughter is in transition year and you should have been provided with a list of secondary schools that she could go to. If you have a school in mind, you should make sure that they can support her needs. Ring up the SENCo for that school and make an appointment to see her. Send her any reports on your child so she can get a good picture of her. If the SENCo believes she can support your child’s needs, you should speak to your case officer at the LEA about it.
If they refuse to name the school that you want and the school can support your child’s needs, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Anonymous
/ October 1, 2011Hello! thank you for the good advice,my problem is that the SENCO at the school she’s in is fixited that my daughter should go to school of her choice,ie,Special Needs School? She’s so determine that my child should not and I want to challenge her.
I am searching the right people to help me and am in the process of it that she doesn’t have a clue that I already working on it?
I am so stressed though why swould we suffer for our children’s right when infact parents should have the right to choose for their good future? I couldn’t understand that humanity!!!!!!!!!!
Louise Stella Womble-Collins
/ October 2, 2011Go and look at all the available schools, so you can state clearly why one is suitable over the others! If you don’t visit you will be tripped up on this and asked how you can compare if you have not seen them. You will also have to consider how your daughter going to a school will affect the other pupils – because the school will! Ask for the school of your choice to be named on her statement – if the LA refuse you will need to apply to the SEND tribunal – but be warned – it’s a hard slog with no guaranteed outcome
Good luck!
sally
/ September 28, 2011Hello ( not sure of this post will end up the correct place -sorry )
I am the parent of a 12 year old girl who has a non educational statement as she has a physical disability . She has a resource place in a very good secondary school just outside the borough.
This is where it gets complicated….. she is a performing child and misses lots of school , we support this only because it has made her see her differences as a positive thing. In her 1st year at secondary school she has dropped down in every subject as despite asking, the school have never given her catch up work ( there are 1750 students in her school ) when she either performs or when she is in hospital having treatment . I have been lucky enough to secure her a place in a performing arts school who are able to balance everything as there are only 60 children in the whole school , the fees are not an issue but the LEA are not forthcoming in transfering her support accross as its a private school. I feel its unfair that children suffer a disadvantage if thier parents are able to fund a private education , my daughter will have her condition regardless of which school she goes to. I had a meeting with her current school on monday who took full responsibility for not sending home work but they said there will always be things that cant be revisited if she is away , even if she is in hospital, harsh i feel , as she has 26 hours a week of support . Her school report basically said ” we cant possibly comment on her progress as she rarely see her ” what i wanted to hear was we rarely see her but the work we set her has been completed and
she is working at this level.
Am i fighting a losing battle ?
Anonymous
/ October 2, 2011Hi Sally? I know how you feel as I’ve been there myself.
My daughter misses a lot of school in the past and I wanted them to give us some work she could do when she’s not at school just to be in the same curriculum but denied. I think they are adamant or basically they were bothered infact the 1to1 for our child fee they could use it for other thing they need? They are are heartless or they don’t give any importance because they dont have children like we do? You should contact your local MP or Social Services and any organisation who could help you? Take care and good luck!
Susan
/ October 3, 2011Hi ~ am in need of some advice if anyone has any. My son has ASD and is currently in a resource unit attached to a mainstream school. He is 17 and has just started part time at college (the other half back in 6th form). I have been told that because they run the same computer course at school, they now want to take him out of college to complete the course in school. They told me that they have to complete government statistic sheets and cannot justify the funding to send him to college. My argument is that he is much more happier at college – therefore will learn far better. Also, before he went to college he couldn’t eat, got stressed etc., and has now, after 5 weeks settled really well and is enjoying it. Plus, it is a slow transition between leaving school and going to college full time. The teachers in his resource base agree and have tried to get them to change their mind. I’m so cross and I now have a meeting about his tomorrow. Can they do this?? Any help or advice would be great ~ thank you.
Louise Stella Womble-Collins
/ October 3, 2011Is he statemented?
Susan
/ October 3, 2011Yes he is.
Louise Stella Womble-Collins
/ October 4, 2011This has got nothing to do with “government statistic sheets”…. sounds like it has everything to do with them penny pinching.
I would go back to them an insiste he carries on at college. You could get a report from the college to show how he is getting on there!
Good luck
Susan
/ October 4, 2011Thanks Louise – good idea. Also by taking him out and putting him back in school goes against the SEN code of practice, where they encourage a slow transition from school to college. Just about to leave now – but I’ll let you know how it all goes.
Special Needs Mum
/ October 4, 2011Thanks for your comments Louise
Susan
/ October 4, 2011OK, had the meeting – they basically said that he gets funding if he stays in school, but not if he does the same course at college (it would be fine if he was doing a different course). There is no other course that he wanted to do – and with his annual review it was agreed last year, that he would have a transition period where he would go to college (for part of the week via taxi (which is funded) and then after Easter next year start using public transport – with help at first). My argument is that it’s not his fault and nor should he be penalised, for the lack of communication between the Resource Base and the School. Also it is against the SEN Code of Practice (as that states that a slow transition should take place). I’m also looking into the Disability Discrimination Act to see if there is a clause in there (indirectly) that may help.
We should hear the outcome by Friday and I’ve got to put in writing my argument for him staying at College. They are however, fully aware of how angry we are at this expected change our son is supposed to do and I have told them “it’s just not happening!”
Anyway, we’ll see. Fingers crossed.
Susan
/ October 4, 2011Oh, sorry, his college tutor is phoning me tomorrow to ask me directly what they would like me to put in a letter
))
Paula Ormerod
/ December 1, 2011I need some advice my 6 year old son currently attends mainstream school he has a global delay of 12/18mths and a sensory processing
disorder. he has a statement and receives 20hrs of support per week.
he is making slow but good progress,he is just learning to write and just this week started reading. The school is small around 300 children and have done a fantastic job meeting his needs. He absolutely loves going to school.
However this week I was called to school because an educational psychologist who spent 20mins with him has suggested that I
start looking at special schools for September. She has said that he will require full support in year 3 I already new this and have asked for a review of his statement so he can get additional funding. I asked why she felt a special school would be better when he is making progress. She told me that academically she is not concerned but she is concerned that he will not be able to cope with the older children and that he would not have the same access to creative learning in year 3.
However his current statement requires that he is given access to creative learning so I know that it has to be provided no matter what year he is in and I know my son he interacts with children of all ages and he does it well he attends after school groups 3 times a week where he interacts socially with a large mix of children and he loves it. Granted he is not always able
to understand everything that is going on but he copes well and is a really happy boy. I have a good relationship with the school and teachers and speak to them every week my son is in the green for everything, effort behaviour that sort of thing he has never been in the yellow or red. He sits well when his TA is there is well behaved and is not disruptive so I can’t understand it. My son attends Child Psychology every week and his therapist said he would do better socially to stay in mainstream.
My son is happy making progress and is doing really well where he is. I am not against special school he may need it in the future but I am sure that he is in the best possible place right now. I would like to know if the L.A can force me to put my child in special school and how I can challenge this my son does not cope well with change and I think a change of school right now would be to much for him to deal with.
Please help
very worried parent
Px
Louise Stella Womble
/ December 2, 2011You can’t be forced to move your son. If he is coping well and the school is supportive I would ask for this to reviewed in 6 months time. (a years a long time – so 6 monthly reviews could work in your favour).
Angie Scott
/ January 6, 2012Hi we are just in the middle of preparing the parent report and asking the local authority for a statutory assessment for my son.
It is so stressful and I feel so unsupported by the school. I just have say the book by TANIA TIRRAORO is fantastic ………
I will let you all know how we get on. Angie
Special Needs Mum
/ January 7, 2012Thank you so much Angie – I’m glad it’s proving useful. If you have ever time, I’d be delighted if you could stick a quick review on AmazonUK to help other people! Best of luck – do let me know how you get on.