Year 5 age 10 dd needs a lap top, how to get school to let her use one we will provide

[Laptopneeded]

Just that really.
I've been on a long journey with my dd trying to work out why she's struggling etc and pretty much had to do it alone with outside help.
It's now clear she would benefit greatly from using a laptop because she's a fast typer and her hand is slow and tires.
Her special sen tutor outside school has said she needs this bit the school sneco sort of wasn't interested? Just looked and moved off topic.

Why wouldn't they let her use one we will pay??

Any idea or those who have one.

Does she have a diagnosis that explains the tired hand? Have you asked the school secco why they don’t support it for her?

Ask the senco/LA for a referral to the assistive technology team.

@user2315638 thank you.

Can I ask why and what this would do please.

@LadyGardenersQuestionTime no!

Don't know what or where that would be from!
We've had enough struggle trying to get her two read and up to date with her peers.

They provide technology for those who need it. This will include special software tailored to need.

However it is likely you will need an official diagnosis for evidence not just a recommendation from a tutor.

@user2315638

I think it's obvious she can't write much but we are happy to pay for it.

I just don't know where to begin with trying to get a diagnosis for this I didn't even realise she would need one

My ds uses a laptop at school (has done since year 3) his was suggested by his teacher at the time and was probably discussed by the professionals involved at the time (physio and ot) the best thing we ever did!

He was finding it difficult to keep up because handwriting was difficult for him and it wasn't fair that his grades didn't match his ability because of that.

He has cerebral palsy but any child struggling to put their ideas on paper should be given the same opportunity. Keep on at them until they listen.

Who is the specialist SEN tutor? Is this something you pay for? Perhaps they could write a report saying she needs to use a laptop and why.

Going through the assisted technology team is almost definitely better than providing your own. They will have assessed loads of kids and likely know of tips or software that can provide help which you may not be aware of.

I’m disabled. At my last assessment for tech to help in my education (quite a few years ago now) my parents and I all thought I just needed a laptop and MS office. The assessor made several suggestions we hadn’t thought of - software packages, settings etc. All of which were very helpful.

You would get a diagnosis from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.

I can see why school maybe reluctant to use your own device e.g. keeping the device safe, being able to access work/correct format, plus it is more work for the staff to convert work to be done on a device etc.

We have a laptop provided by the LA (as part of our EHCP)

@NewYearNewUsername23

Can I do this myself

@user2315638 through what channels?

Doctor?

I’ve worked in schools where kids bring their own device in in this situation. The parent usually has to sign something to say they understand that the school takes no responsibility for it if it’s broken or whatever, and recommends they insure it. It works fine.

in some schools every child is required to have their own device to work on!

keep on at the SENCO, from the schools point of view this is a quick easy and cheap (for the school) solution to a problem, I don’t know why they’re reluctant.

Google your LEA and see what their website says about assistive tech in schools. I’d anticipate needing a first referral. I left school a long time ago now.

You need to have her assessed for Specific Learning Differences. “Tired hand” won’t cut it I’m afraid. Me (and DDs) have a range of SpLDs and ND between us which I had to pay for privately due to the excruciatingly long wait lists.

@EmptyPlaces.. From where, where is assement done

A DASH test would be a start. Educational psychologists (and some SENCO's) can administer this. Is there any indication she might be hypermobile in which case speak to the GP.

Surely your SEN tutor can answer that question? It varies wildly based on location.

Start with an occupational therapist. You will probably have to pay privately. Find local Facebook groups for SEN parents and ask for recommendations.

Our Senco is a coordinator.

We have hit many brick walls due to a severe lack of knowledge...

She's a barrier not a help. I will ask again however. But it's emotionally exhausting and frustrating, all our efforts and money has gone on trying to get her to read, and up to date etc.

I meant your “special sen tutor outside school” ??? How long have you been seeing this person? What are their qualifications? I’m honestly baffled as to what this person does if they haven’t spoken to you about SpLDS.

Has she been assessed for any other kind of learning difficulty such as dyslexia. Sometimes these things can be co-morbid with conditions such as dysgraphia or autism or slow speed of information processing.

If you can afford it I would ask the SEN teacher if they can recommend a good educational psychologist to do some initial assessments. it cost us £500 but that was 5 years ago and I know he was cheap due to working at the school dh taught at.

@EmptyPlaces oh sorry.

She's a normal teacher but has lots of sen experience and has mentioned a few things like dyslexia and that she struggles with writing and that a computer would help but no advise on how to get one. I think her old school was private so perhaps different ways of doing things.

A computer won’t help unless it has specialist software on it.