Page 2 | Help with school

StrawberryShortbread2001 · 2024-07-17T11:38:26+00:00

My DD is in Y7 and has ASD. She doesn't have an EHCP as she was refused an EHCNA. She was having an anxiety attack yesterday as she was scared of performing in Drama. I got her into school but we were late. Her lovely Learning mentor came down assessed the situation through talking to us/observing DD and put a plan into place - she would take her for a walk in the garden to calm her, then she could stay with her LM in her office over Drama. So this was agreed between DD, me and her LM and DD knew exactly what was going to happen. But when she was calm and happy with her LM the attendance officer decided to interfere and kept telling my DD to go to Drama. She made her unsettled and left her crying. Later when DD went to lunch she told her 'don't come back'. When she is meant to be able to go to her LM for support. I've asked to speak to someone about this, this morning as it was making it hard for DD to go in. I just got a message saying no one would call me and if DD didn't go in she would be marked down as unauthorised and referred to the attendance team at the LA!! How would you respond to this? [Edited by MNHQ to remove identifying information]

LlamaNoDrama · 17/07/2024 18:05

Get the ehcna application in again and use this as evidence as thy a plan is needed. If they say no appeal. It's rare to lose.

Original poster

StrawberryShortbread2001 · 17/07/2024 18:06

nodeerinere · 17/07/2024 17:53

Not sure on your area but look into speaking to inclusion or SENDIASS (or equivalents!)

It's bloody hard work to get people to actually do what they should be for our children.

Keep going!

I spoke to Sendiass this morning. They've given me a bit of information but have no capacity to support in a meeting.

And thank you, it's exhausting isn't it? I won't give up, though!

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Original poster

StrawberryShortbread2001 · 17/07/2024 18:08

handmademitlove · 17/07/2024 18:01

Ask for a meeting with the Sendco and head of year in September to discuss how they are going to support your DD. Refer to the Sen code of practice assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf

Particularly section 6.2 which states that "Every school is required to identify and address the SEN of the pupils that they support" including "use their best endeavours to make sure that a child with SEN gets the support they need – this means doing everything they can to meet children and young people’s SEN"

Have a look on the school website for their SEN information report - this should state how the school supports students with SEN. If they are not doing what they say they are, highlight this as well!

If you google your Local authority"local offer" it should also tell you what is expected in your area.

Do everything by email so you have a paper trail.

Reference the need for the school to assess and plan support given her diagnosis and the need to include parents in the planning of any provision needed.

Thank you, I'll check all that out so I'm prepared for the meeting.

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BrumToTheRescue · 17/07/2024 19:20

Be careful with SENDIASS. Some are good but too many repeat the LA’s unlawful policies.

Have you submitted a refusal to assess appeal yet?

Follow the complaints process for all your complaints. The school has shown they are not supportive. You know they must provide support and are discriminating against DD. They also know they must provide support. Follow the previous advice about the unauthorised absences.

IEP is now a MyPlan.

Not in all schools. MyPlan and MyPlan+ are specific to some schools/areas. It is not universal.

Original poster

StrawberryShortbread2001 · 17/07/2024 19:47

BrumToTheRescue · 17/07/2024 19:20

Be careful with SENDIASS. Some are good but too many repeat the LA’s unlawful policies.

Have you submitted a refusal to assess appeal yet?

Follow the complaints process for all your complaints. The school has shown they are not supportive. You know they must provide support and are discriminating against DD. They also know they must provide support. Follow the previous advice about the unauthorised absences.

IEP is now a MyPlan.

Not in all schools. MyPlan and MyPlan+ are specific to some schools/areas. It is not universal.

I've been told to phone the mediation people and then I can do the appeal.

Ok, thank you.

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Pippatpip · 17/07/2024 21:00

I'm a SENCO and do teach my gang but I could not do my job and do normal teaching. I am completely overwhelmed with needs at the moment. I am in private secondary. I had five CAHMS applications last week. I'm on holiday now and already have had more in my in box. The SENCO is likely swamped which is why a lot is resting on the LM. I work so bloody hard to ensure that everyone in the school knows and understands my students. It takes hours of shmoozing, liaison, being very very nice and understanding to all staff from the canteen people, teaching staff, receptionists, slt to ensure that my pupils get the best care. We will not always get it right but we do try. I do think not being able to get hold of the SENCO is a bit piss poor from the school. This is a matter that could easily escalate to full EBSA. Everyone matters in their interactions with my ND community and it is not up to the ND community to solve any abelism just as it isn't up to the black and Asian community to solve any racism.

Original poster

StrawberryShortbread2001 · 17/07/2024 23:17

Pippatpip · 17/07/2024 21:00

I'm a SENCO and do teach my gang but I could not do my job and do normal teaching. I am completely overwhelmed with needs at the moment. I am in private secondary. I had five CAHMS applications last week. I'm on holiday now and already have had more in my in box. The SENCO is likely swamped which is why a lot is resting on the LM. I work so bloody hard to ensure that everyone in the school knows and understands my students. It takes hours of shmoozing, liaison, being very very nice and understanding to all staff from the canteen people, teaching staff, receptionists, slt to ensure that my pupils get the best care. We will not always get it right but we do try. I do think not being able to get hold of the SENCO is a bit piss poor from the school. This is a matter that could easily escalate to full EBSA. Everyone matters in their interactions with my ND community and it is not up to the ND community to solve any abelism just as it isn't up to the black and Asian community to solve any racism.

Thank you for this. I can completely understand the SENCo is swamped, I honestly don't understand how they can have the role as only part time. But yes, on the other hand I don't think it is good enough that she is always unavailable. It sounds like you do an amazing job and really understand that every interaction matters. I do wish some of the staff understood that at my DD's school. Mind you most people don't realise that. I posted once about how an interaction with a teacher stopped my DD wanting to go into school and most people argued with me that, that couldn't possibly be the reason she didn't want to go in!!

And yes, I'm terrified that they will push her into EBSA. I want to ban certain people from going near her because of how much damage they have done but I don't think the school would find that reasonable. I don't know how I can get through to certain people. They just don't seem to listen.

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