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The LEA letter/visit

11 replies

CarrieErbag · 04/08/2017 11:50

Originally ignored the first letter we had from them after withdrawing dd as I was too busy dealing with the fall out.
Had another letter last week, now I know I don't have to provide too much info, but I'm wondering what her 'support worker' can actually offer in the way of support should we need it?
I would e-mail her and ask, but she is only available in term time. Hmm

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Saracen · 04/08/2017 14:26

Hi Carrie,

Sounds like you have two separate issues here. Am I right in understanding that the LA has asked you for information about how you are educating your daughter? You need to respond promptly, especially since you ignored their last letter. It's always wise to write back straightaway, either giving them some info or else challenging the basis for their request/demand. If the LA think you aren't engaging with them, they may escalate matters quickly - some LAs start moving toward taking people to court at an early stage. Though you would almost certainly win any court case, it's stress which you don't need. What did they say exactly?

As for the question of support, it's unlikely they can provide you with anything whatsoever. But you're right, it wouldn't hurt to email in the autumn and ask. You might ask for the following, for example:

A list of local exam centres which accept private candidates to do IGCSEs
Help to liaise with exam centres to arrange somewhere your daughter can sit her IGCSEs - could the LA encourage or direct a local school to do this for her?
Financial help with exam fees or internet school (They won't actually give you any money, so don't get your hopes up. But you might feel that they are morally obliged to, and so you might like to underline this idea to them, if you see what I mean.)
Access to the schools library service or science kit if they have such a thing
Information about local colleges which have 14-16 provision in case your daughter might consider a course.

Most LAs have very very little to offer, even in the way of basic info, and usually local home ed parents and national HE email lists are more comprehensive and up-to-date. Nevertheless, if you are feeling annoyed with the LA due to your daughter's awful school experiences, you might get some satisfaction out of asking for the help you want, if only so you can follow your request up by saying, "So in fact your so-called 'support worker' cannot support us in any way at all? Was this just an attempt to inspect us by claiming to have support on offer when there isn't any?" (Some LAs do do that.) Depends how bolshie you feel, really.

But don't delay in answering the letter.

CarrieErbag · 04/08/2017 18:46

Thanks so much Saracen.
I shall reply first thing on Monday, although I presume I won't hear anything until September now.
I'm feeling extremely bolshie to be honest, I think it's going to take me quite some time to deal with the disappointment of school, but I should really be channelling my energies in a more positive manner now. What's done is done.

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CarrieErbag · 04/08/2017 20:05

Forgot to actually answer your question Saracen Blush
They want to know what education is being provided and what social activities.
Social activities is the difficult one, she won't do anything as she has been 'warned off' activities she was keen on by people at school.
She is doing a bit of voluntary work at a local shop in town for a friend on a Saturday, the interaction is mainly adult based, but she does enjoy it.

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Velvetbee · 05/08/2017 20:10

Just to throw it in, Hampshire LA often pays exam fees for HE students if you happen to be there.

Saracen · 06/08/2017 00:23

Okay, you have various options.

Your daughter only came out of school in June, right? So you could tell them that you are still settling into home education and helping your daughter recover from a difficult time at school, and you will send a report later on. By law you do have to be providing a suitable education from day one, but that doesn't entail doing formal lessons or having worked out a long-term plan. If you decide to do this, give them a date by which you will send in a report and then stick to it. A few more months should be reasonable.

Alternatively, if you want to get it over and done with, you could write a report now describing what your daughter has done and is doing, and what resources and social/educational opportunities are available to her. "Available" is the key word here. If she doesn't feel ready to take advantage of these opportunities yet, that is neither here nor there. You are PROVIDING suitable opportunities.

For example, on the social front: "She volunteers in a shop two hours per week, interacting with staff and customers. Has a close relationship with her mother, with whom she has frequent long discussions on a wide variety of subjects. Is very fond of her grandfather in Australia, whom she Skypes every week. Likes to play with her young cousins, and sees them about once a month. Engages confidently with library and supermarket staff and likes to chat with neighbours. Has previously enjoyed dance and swim classes, but no longer attends because the bullies from school are there. We are looking into alternatives and have identified several sports she could try in the autumn. There are also two dance classes in the next town which she can go to. Also, I have made contact with the local home education group and I understand there is a teen group which goes bowling regularly."

Notice that none of that promises anything specific for the future, but indicates that you have considered your daughter's needs and you are taking appropriate action in terms of offering her the chance to socialise if and when she feels up to it. You don't have to force her into situations she isn't ready for. You just need to indicate that you are leaving the door open for her to move out into the wider social world as she feels up to it. Socialising also doesn't have to involve organised group activities or be with people of her own age.

A third option is to refuse to provide anything to the LA, on the grounds that there is no legal basis for them to ask for it. Their legal duty is to intervene IF it appears that your child is not receiving a suitable education. You could ask them what information has come to their attention which makes it appear that your child's education is inadequate. ("What makes you think I am breaking the law?") If you take this course of action, there may be a few letters exchanged, which will either result in the LA backing down and leaving you alone, or in them threatening you with legal action. If they do that then you may well prefer to send them a report on your daughter's education rather than risk going to court - if you fight it you would almost certainly win, but it could be stressful.

Hope that helps a bit! Have a think about what you want to do. There are plenty of knowledgeable and helpful people on the HE forums who will be glad to advise. In particular, if you want to draw a line in the sand and refuse to provide information to the LA then you will want to ensure you know where you stand legally rather than just taking my word for it!

Minxmumma · 07/08/2017 17:49

As pp said a report would go a long way and save lots of stress so they don't feel ignored .

As long as she has opportunities to socialise and you should include that the issie of the bullies has curtailed some activities then th y cannot complain.

Alongside this a rough breakdown of what she is learning - remember this doesn't have to be nose to the book 'school style' work. Cooking/ sewing/arts etc all contribute as do physical activities.
I home schooled my twins for 10years and the last 2 years didnt get a visit just sent a report in.

Sometimes they can offer support with access to resources and other bits.

Good luck x

CarrieErbag · 17/08/2017 12:47

Thanks all, I finally got round to doing it.
I didn't want to be arsey for the sake of it I don't need the stress.
Just kept it brief, following your ideas.
Have asked what they can offer including help with exam fees, figure I have nothing to lose!

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Saracen · 17/08/2017 21:27

Great, it's good to have that out of the way!

CarrieErbag · 16/09/2017 13:58

Just had a response from the HE team after sending my details.
Apparently dd needs a work employment licence for her voluntary Saturday job?
Does anyone have experience of this?

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Saracen · 16/09/2017 16:34

Yes, many LAs have bylaws requiring companies which employ children to obtain a work permit for them, whether it is paid or voluntary. Should be totally simple and straightforward as it is only a few hours on a Saturday.

In my area the form is half a page long. Just mention to the employer that they need to do it. I expect they'll want you to sign it to say you are aware of the work she is doing.

Where things get more murky is if your dd wants to work at a time when schoolchildren would be at school. It would be illegal to employ a schoolchild during school hours, and also there are restrictions on the number of hours they can work on a school day. Government clarification on how this applies to home educated teens says basically, "We don't know either"!! So there is a risk of prosecution if her employer has her in on a Wednesday morning in term-time, for example.

CarrieErbag · 17/09/2017 19:08

Thanks Saracen, yet again.
Have mentioned it so I think it's getting sorted on Monday.
So different to when I was a kid, we could do any old thing and nobody batted an eyelid. Smile

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