The road to Statementing... continued...

[CinnamonPretzel]

Okay, as we're about to enter the next phase of this process I thought a new thread would be better :)

SENCAN said the application for assessment to Statement was approved (on second review and pages and pages of evidence - OT/Psych/School reports, school work evidence, letters from clubs, My Views documents and write-ups etc).

My question is, for anyone who has been through similar: We still aren't guaranteed a statement are we?
We had to include soooo much just to get this far, what else can I gather during the rest of the six weeks to prepare? We have SALT completing a report and I requested they also do the ADOS to see what else they can bulk it with. What else do I add/include on my side and is there anything else I can get DSs new SENCO to do to build on evidence?

Thanks in advance - you've all been very supportive and I seem to pop on to get advice and rush back off, not offering any of my help to you Thank you X

[EllenJaneisnotmyname]

I think it's changed over the last few years. It used to be that the SA itself was when all the assessments were done and all the reports were produced. But now you have to jump through hoops just to get SA agreed, so I think it's pretty certain you'll get a statement, just not necessarily a good one. The EP usually provides the most 'important' report as far as the LA is concerned. Also any LA department report such as autism advisory teachers or whatever the equivalent is. My DS was seen by an LA Paed as well.

[EllenJaneisnotmyname]

The LA will request any further reports it needs. You will get to do your own, more detailed parental report and you can add any professional that you want them to approach that they haven't already listed, such as private SALT or anyone who might support the statement. NHS SALT, OT, Paed and the school should already be listed.

[CinnamonPretzel]

Thanks for the replies :o

So, when they offer a limited amount of hours that's likely to be no different to SA+, how do I go about fighting it. I mean, what can I say to get more hours? I know everyone is in the same boat...

[EllenJaneisnotmyname]

That, I don't know. I was delighted when DS got his 15 + 5 hours so never had to go to appeal. Others on here have lots of experience. Maybe best to wait and see what you get?

[CinnamonPretzel]

Thanks EllenJ, yes, I'll wait and see what they offer. We've had the SALT report through now, surprisingly in our favour with a comment on the bottom to say it's based on requirement and not what they're resource can offer. Should get the next batch of papers through at the start of the new school year for us to add further info, so will relax and wait for that :)