Complaining about SLT- who is next in hierarchy??

[cheekymonk]

Hi there. My dd is 4 and just started school. She has severe speech delay along with diagnosis of PDA. She is enjoying school but behind and receiving extra support in English and Maths. She was seeing a private SLT as NHS SLT was barely seeing her. Since starting school, dd has dropped swimming and anything out of school has been too much for her. We agreed that even the speech therapy would be put on hold to give her time to settle at school. This was on the basis however that dd was receiving a block of 6 SLT sessions with NHS. She went to first one, in a doctors clinic with a boy of similiar age but with opposite needs to her (issues with understanding rather than expressive). The 2nd session had to be stopped mid flow as dd was too anxious so not co-operating. We were told sessions would take place in school.
I go to a progress meeting at school with SENCo (also dd's teacher :) ) and Inclusion Service teacher to be told by him that he will get the targets from SLT and the teachers can do it! Senco states that they are not trained SLT. I am refused to allow private SLT in school at present whilst DD is trying to settle so she is now not getting any therapy!!!! Inclusion teacher from the council seems hellbent on teachers doing it and I think preventing the therapy taking place in school. Senco is frustrated and emailing him and therapist with no reply.
i complained to head of SLT in our area earlier this year. Now I am even more incensed. DD loves school and teachers have stated that it is her speech articulation which is holding her back.
I have been advised its too early days for EHCP as more evidence needs to be gathered. DD has gone through 2 periods of ISP, one at nursery and one currently at school.
Who do I complain to? How can i get this moving??? Any ideas would be appreciated.

[jubblie]

Who advised you it's too early for an EHCP? Was it the inclusion teacher by any chance!? Are they part of the LA or a private company hired by the LA?

[minimalistaspirati0ns]

Your DDs names in the post.

What did the head of SLT say when you complained?

Can you agree a start date for the SLT to take place in school (not with teachers)

[slkk]

I've reported your post as you have named your child.
I was also told it was too early for ehcp but if I wait a few years his language delay will make him fall behind in everything so then he could get one. Well, I applied myself as I couldn't sit and watch him fail and now he has one and a place in a speech and language unit.
The trouble is, I think without an ehcp the therapies aren't statutory.
If you have already complained to head of salt I'm not sure where to go next. Maybe PALS? It sounds like sending is supportive. What does she suggest?

[Lowdoorinthewall]

So, she has a dx of PDA separate to any dx of ASC?

In my county we have just been told that SaLT input will not be given to children with dx of ASD as their communication skills input will be delivered in school under the advice of the ASC Service.

Maybe there are some grey areas re who delivers what to whom in your county and this is causing problems?

[jubblie]

Lowdoor does the ASC service have it's own specialist SLT's? Otherwise that's pretty shocking.

[cheekymonk]

Yes I realised I named dd afterwards-sorry! friend who worked for SEND partnership told me too early but yes inclusion service, run by council are very anti me even trying! Head of SLT stated all down to funding and they do what they can basically. I think they are failing her.Really interesting slkk that therapies arent statuatory without ehcp.
She has diagnosis of HFA- subtype PDA. The 2 issues have been clouded. Originally she was under autism inclusion team but now under speech and language.I will ask that question directly however. SENCO is frustrated at general lack of progress like me.

[Lowdoorinthewall]

No they don't. Ludicrous isn't it? I am incensed with rage.

[TheOnlyOliviaMumsnet]

We've edited your DD's name out
Best of luck with it all
Kindest

[GruntledOne]

I suggest you apply for an education health and care needs assessment as soon as possible. It sounds as if there is clear evidence that your dd has needs which the school is unable to meet without extra funding. Have a look at the SOS SEN and IPSEA websites for precedent letters for requesting an assessment.

[cheekymonk]

Thanks GruntledOne. Yes I contacted IPSEA and it sounds as though if NHS won't come then school should source the speech therapy for DD. If this can't be done within the 6K then yes, EHCP is needed. Many thanks everyone...

[cheekymonk]

Oh no I have put my dds name down again :(

[YetAnotherHelenMumsnet]

We've edited it out again! Good luck, cheekymonk.

[StarfrightMcFangsie]

It's not too early for an EHCP. This is an example of why one would be needed now imo. Go to the IPSEA website, download the model letter and make your own application. The school will have been trained in LA policy not the law so be gentle but ignore any protestations from them.

[StarfrightMcFangsie]

Lowdoor are you Herts?

[cheekymonk]

Thanks Starfright.

[Lowdoorinthewall]

No, not in Herts which suggests there is more than one LA with same policy.

[heavenlypink]

Slightly different circumstances cheekymonk as my DS is 18 and at college but I applied for an assessment for an EHC Plan myself back in July It initially got refused but I went to mediation, submitted some more evidence and it's now all systems go

You will probably get frowned upon but go for it

[blaeberry]

It is ridiculous to suggest the teacher could do SALT whether trained or not - she has a class to teach and doesn't have the time to focus on your dd SALT. However, if her speech is delayed and she has HFA then I am surprised your dd doesn't need at least some TA 1 to 1 time. I would also expect your dd to have weekly direct SALT and for the TA to follow this up with daily exercises provided on a weekly basis by the trained SALT. I would at this point focus on getting an EHCP and put complaints about SALT to the LA rather than the NHS - SALT is an educational need so the LA need to provide it if the NHS doesn't.