Anyone ever heard of or used an IPA? Been told tonight school are doing one for DS.

[youarewinning]

Ok, I know it's positive so I'm pleased about it. Apparently it's above SA+ but below a statement and is about support had, used, needed, and transitions.

I would be interested to hear people's experiences of it in action - I'm so used to things sounding great but not always living up to expectations

[RaRaTheNoisyLion]

Whaaaaaaat?

Sounds like beer to me. Do the parents get it?

[RaRaTheNoisyLion]

Actually is sounds like something you'd come up with after a few pints of it!

[youarewinning]

I'm not sure if it's our LA only! It's an inclusion partnership agreement. I have read the county councils blurb online and it seems workable and seems productive.

However the cynical part of me can't help thinking it will be used to avoid statutory assessment iyswim?

Hence my asking if anyone's used one in practice - I trust the MNSNers more than the LA tbh

[ouryve]

Mmm. Loves me a bottle of IPA....

Sounds something like the "provision plans" that some LAs are so keen on. In your case, going on what you've said, it's probably a good thing if the school are doing this off their own back - it might actually help to provide evidence if you decide to go for SA, further down the line.

[youarewinning]

www3.hants.gov.uk/sen-ipa-parents-2009.pdf

Like I say - seems workable and certainly useful in my DS case. However the cynical part of me keeps focussing on the part that says 'statements don't always help make arrangements to meet child's needs' and wondering how much of this is a funding issue?

I obviously want to believe it means the support my DS currently gets - because he needs it - is continued through the use of the IPA!

[youarewinning]

Yes , ouryre - the senco actually said she wanted to do it and would help if I ever wanted to go for SA. However she agrees with me that ATM DS can manage without a statement. (Mainly because she's bloody fantastic and as you said earlier sees a duck quack and so assumes it's a duck!)

[youarewinning]

www3.hants.gov.uk/sen-ipa-parents-2009.pdf

[RaRaTheNoisyLion]

'Statements don't always help make arrangements to meet child's needs'

This makes NO sense. Statements make clear the provision that is required for a child's needs to be met and then protect that provision in law.

In what way, is that unhelpful?

[youarewinning]

That's hopeful polter - part of me was hoping that it meant our LA was heading towards better integrated services like you get!

Gah! It's a telling tale when a few hours ago I was elated after parents evening and then suddenly I start questioning how great these things actually are.

[youarewinning]

Exactly RARA - that was the point I started to get because it seamed they were trying to talk parents out of applying for SA and statements! But then I've also learnt to be cynical so do question myself frequently!

[RaRaTheNoisyLion]

I'm not saying it is bad provision. Maybe it is good.

It's clearly not protected in law though and no-one is accountable for it. If you trust the people delivering perhaps that is okay.

However, my trust would begin to diminish the minute they tried to persuade me that it was MORE helpful than a statement. I'd wonder what they were trying to avoid funding.

[youarewinning]

I'm so glad you said that RaRa as that is exactly the way my thinking went after reading the online information. But then I wondered if it was just me!

For DS in his current junior school - so transition from year 5-6 it will be useful as they will continue his current provision. I think the secondary will because they work closely with them and the secondary parent support advisor frequently attends the juniors to meet with parents. However, I am aware now that it doesn't mean they have to continue the support. But then again hopefully well have a dx by then which may add more weight to the IPA?

I guess I need to be as enthusiastic as I was about it a few hours ago and take the step to statement if I feel it's needed - eg if the IPA does turn out not to be worth the paper it's written on

[RaRaTheNoisyLion]

The thing is, even if you have a statement. The protection in law is only as good as your policing.

I mean, if they didn't deliver half of it, would you know?

It might be better to maintain a relationship within an IPA with the 'threat' of a statement should they now answer all of your questions and provide you with evidence upon request etc.

[moondog]

Most statements are total tripe.
I should know-I've seen hundreds.
You can call it anything-a statement, an IPA, an IEP, an EEG, a UFO.

If it states what the issue is and what needs to be done to address it in a measurable accountable fashion, then it is a Good Thing. Then of course, it all needs to be actually done.

If it doesn't, it is useless.

[ouryve]

Of course, very soon, it'll be a EHCP, rather than a statement, but your DS is rapidly reaching the age when that might actually be useful, anyhow.

[ouryve]

And the boys' statements are pretty dire, but they've been in a school that wouldn't dream of leaving them unsupported and we've/they've had some good support from the advisory service, too. (and that same, very pro inclusion advisory service, according to the letter sent to SENDIST by the LA, and despite being asked to be witnesses for the LA, supported my bid for DS1 to be moved to specialist provision, in the end.)

[youarewinning]

Ouryre - our LA has already launched the EHCP. I think it's still an option but with view to adopting it imminent. I must admit EHCP does seem helpful and this IPA looks similar in that it looks the the passport bit completed before the EHCP but with the lengthy assessment process of professionals stating needs.

[youarewinning]

Without lengthy assessment.....

[ouryve]

Even in pathfinder areas, EHCP isn't legally enforcible until September.