School Action Plus ...Support????

[mrsforgetful]

An Ed Psychologist told me that at School Action Plus my son should have 5 hours minimum support weekly ....and if i statement the LEA will simply 'reject- but demand the school to provide the 5 hrs'......

Is this 5 hours an ENTILTLEMENT...can I DEMAND it....as a matter of fact....or is it guaged on the 'need'....which is a matter of opinion.

Do i 'use' LEA ...by appying for a statement feeling deep down theyu will not be interested ....just as a way of making the school provision my son....is there an easier way?

Have you got a parent partnership in your area (I;m sure you will have- ring the LEA and ask). They can be very helpful. A lot recieve funding from the LEA but they are still usually realiable in this sort of case.

Hi Mrs Forgetful,

And I honestly thought I was the only one in this situation!!. It gives me no comfort though that someone else is going through the same. Many others are.

We applied for a statement for our son who is in reception (everyone feels he could do with extra help in class and whilst SAP is helpful to some degree he could do with some more help; his concentration is an issue). His Ed Pysch felt strongly that he should have a statement. The LEA (not surprisingly to my mind) have turned down his request for this so we met them (the LEA) to discuss this. However, all is not lost!. At our recent meeting with the LEA it was noted that the school had not sent in all the information required (his last IEP is missing) so they have asked the school for it. On receipt they will represent the case to Panel. Methinks this is all going to turn into a big bun fight about who is going to pick up the tab. Feel that hardly anyone is thinking about the long term interests of our child.

We have two months in which to appeal to SENDIST and I have the forms all ready to go should the request be turned down again.

We have been told by the LEA that 5 hours a week is a minimum - it is a requirement that the school has to follow. However, school says that they have neither the time not the money to impliment such. LEA have replied this is no excuse.

Would strongly suggest you contact IPSEA for more guidance and support. Their website address is www.ipsea.org.uk.

Good luck, keep on at both school and LEA and make a right fuss!!!. You are your child's best advocate.

I think where the Ed Psych is coming from is that the statementing panel will want to know what the school has done to help - if they have not provided regular support then they will ask the school to do so first.

Because I know of the lengths that you have gone to with your kids, here is a bit of inside information. I would recommend that you push, push and push some more for any support that you can get for your child. Nag the school for the 'in school' support, apply for the statement and nag them to follow it all up. Ring school regularly (if you don't do so already) to get updates and make notes. Even petition the governors! I find that the kids who get the most 'help' are usually the ones whose parents 'make waves' to get things done and who demand the help. Don't let it lie - your kids and your deserve and are entitled to this help.

Oh yes - and Parent Partnership are veyr good - do get in touch with them if you can.