IEP help

[Bilberry]

My ds first IEP was sent home today for me to sign. He is in a language unit which has assessed him and come up with a range of issues. He also has motor skills issues and sees an OT. His first CSP (bit like EHCP) is being drawn up but they get 16 weeks to do that (took them 7 months to agree to give him one and while I think 16 weeks is wrong, I suspect there is no way to argue it any quicker).

The IEP only has two long term targets on it with short term targets on how these will be achieved. The short term targets are fairly SMART though they missed out timescales. I appreciate these are the areas the SALT are working on at the moment but shouldn't an IEP list long term targets to tackle ALL his needs? Eg. There is nothing about pronunciation, social interaction or his fine motor skills.

I haven't signed the form but was going to speak to the school. Am I right to think all his needs should have targets for them even if the attached short term target is minimal while other areas are worked on?

[Ineedmorepatience]

Tbh I think it is fine to only have 3 targets, it has to be realistic and achievable so too many targets would make that impossible.

However, they should have invited you to the IEP meeting and discussed with you and your ds the areas that you are concerned about!! Its not good practice to send IEP's home in book bags although it happens all the time.

If you are generally happy with it you could sign it and then attach a letter to request the you are invited to the review and next IEP meeting.
If you are not happy with it, request a meeting now to sort it out.

Good luck

[Ineedmorepatience]

Oh and the CSP maybe like an EHCP but it isnt one and it wont be legally enforcable. If your Ds needs an EHCP you can apply for an assessment yourself, take a look at IPSEA

[Bilberry]

Thanks, Ineed, I thought I would phone the school for a chat. I can understand not wanting to be overwhelmed with targets. I was just surprised those aspects weren't mentioned at all! I also do think the other things will be addressed so not worried about that. Probably the OT stuff is the main one missing as that is not part of the usual remit of the language unit so may be useful to have on paper.

We are in Scotland hence the CSP which, like the EHCP, is enforceable but we were at the evidence deadline for a tribunal before the council conceded. Glad we have is now as it may be the only document recording his needs and how they will be addressed (I hope).

[fairgame]

Ds has only ever had 3 targets on his iep so I think it's quite normal. They just pick out the most important things he needs to work on. I think his last iep targets were to use his safe place when running away, make an oral response to written tasks and to complete his daily sensory exercises.
They just need to be simple achieveable targets and should, ideally, be reviewed termly.

[Ineedmorepatience]

Ahh sorry didnt think about Scotland my nieghbouring authority do something with similar letters and they are rubbish

Good luck with the meeting

[Bilberry]

Good thing I asked you all! It is so difficult when you get things first for the first time and don't know what is reasonable. I am happy with the targets given. I will see if we can get something OT included as I think that may need to be a bit more integrated into his teaching rather than 20 minutes once a week. Also phoning the school may be good to remind them I should be involved in the process!