Average LEA-funded hours for statements

[QueenYnci]

My DS (6) has just received his draft statement. The local authority are going to be funding 10 hours a week (to be split into 4 different areas of development). I've just got a couple of questions that I hope someone with some experience of this can help with.

Is 10 funded hours a week reasonable for a diagnosis of ASD (mainly sensory issues and anxiety)? I feel that's not so bad with the cuts in funding but just wanted to make sure before I agree with the statement.

My other question is more to do with how the funded hours will actually be used. The school DS attends (mainstream primary) already provides a full-time SNA (1:1 in the mornings, 1:2 in the afternoons). Is it likely the funding will be used to pay towards this or is it likely extra help will be brought in with the new funding?

[Bonkerz]

There is an optimum amount of hours for a statement that comes with extra funding. IME never accept the first offer. Although September 1st everything changed. Sorry not much help

[Veritata]

Don't accept any excuses about cuts in funding. The law says that children are entitled to support to meet their needs, i.e. irrespective of funding.

There isn't an average, and really that isn't what matters - what matters is what your child needs. You need to make sure that the statement details and specifies the support ds needs. For instance, is that 10 hours a week for 1:1 support, or what? Does the TA have to be trained in dealing with autism? Does he need therapies - often children with autism need speech therapy (as it's an social communication disorder) and occupational therapy - for any sensory difficulties, e.g. sensitivity to noise, light, touch etc.

I suggest you phone SOS SEN for more advice.