School advice

[debs40]

Hi

Following on from the last post about school....

I was really disappointed to see the actions of one teacher of DS's teachers last week who doesn't seem to understand what his problems are - despite along chat about social commmunication issues.

I have asked for a meeting with the teachers and SENCo who has not really been involved save as one of his class teachers last year. We had a chat at parents' eve at the end of term. DS has been given some temporary TA provision and is in a social skills group but no one has talked directly to us about this.

I have drawn up a brief summary of DS's main problems. They have had the paediatrician's reports but at least one teacher doesn't seem to have read them.

We have then drawn up a bullet point list with suggestions (only 4) which include the stuff the OT recommended on the phone (we've not seen her yet) and a home/school book to aid communication. The whole thing is only a page and a half long. Do you think that's ok if I send that to them in preparation for any meeting?

Teachers can be so difficult and touchy when they think parents are trying to tell them their job and I'm trying to steer clear of doing that but something needs to change if I'm not going to have DS coming home frustrated and wound up for being 'told off for not saying please' or 'shouted at for writing too slow'

Thoughts please - am I overdoing this?

[claw3]

Debs40 - I dont think you are overdoing it at all, you know your child better than anyone else after all.

You probably will get labeled as an over anxious mother, but if you cant look out for your ds and his needs, who can.

(promise not to hijack this thread)

[debs40]

Thanks. You're right. You have to just have a tough hide. It is hard when you're trying to decide how far to push things and how best to raise it but better to go a bit OTT now and again then say nothing.

Hope your meeting goes well this week. It's so draining isn't it? Especially when you don't think you're asking very much. I mean I'm not asking them to personally serve his lunch or polish his shoes just don't get him into a state where he's screaming and hitting his head when he comes home!

Keep me posted - it's good to talk to someone else who's going through the same thing.

[claw3]

Debs - I have found most teachers and even SENCO's who are supposed to have experience of special needs, 'just dont get it'.

Even if they do have lots of experience, each child is an individual and it affects them differently. 1 and half pages isnt a lot. Im sure there are lots of things, that you just overlook and let them get on with it.

Youve tried doing things their way and its not working, so changes need to be made.

It is very draining, very frustrating and very lonely at times. I know exactly how my ds must feel!

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

No you are not overdoing this, no one else is better placed than you to fight for him.
No one else is going to do it for you.

Yes give them what you've already prepared - and personally apply for the Statement at the same time.

Nothing much will really change otherwise.

[debs40]

Thanks Attila I always appreciate your advice. I am going to get the SALT and OT reports and then look at doing that. We have SALT in a couple of weeks and OT soon after that (with luck) and I think we would be better placed after that.In the meantime, I will be doing some research into the process.

Also, I have spoken to BIBIC and have a telephone chat with a therapist lined up next week prior to an assessment. I hear their reports are pretty thorough and can help with statementing.

Can I ask is your knowledge based on personal experience or do you work in this field?

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Personal experience.