Special needs

[dizzy34]

Hi, I have chosen not to send my ds to school. He is blind, quadriplegic, unable to eat and drink and has up to 150 seizures per day. The neuros think his development stopped at about 12wks old. I have now been told i have to prove that i am educating him at home. How do i do that. Do trips to the park, light therapy and using his hot tub for hydro therapy count. We also do his physio etc every day. Does he have to go through the statementing process? I really dont want him to.

I am a childrens social worker but know very little (nothing) about this.

Any information would be gratefullly appreciated.

Denise

Hi Denise,

I'm not sure on the specifics, but we send in a yearly report to the LEA, listing resources available to the children, and places we have been.

Anything you do with your son that helps his progress and well-being certainly counts.

Probably the best port of call would be
www.he-special.org.uk/index.php. This is the link for the page for families home educating their children who have SEN.

Also have a look at the Education Otherwise website, as that has lots of useful info.

Thanks, i will have a look at the website you suggested

denisex

Ring your Education Office and ask to speak to the Special Needs Manager.
Ask for a meeting.Be very open and explain all the excellent educational opportunities you offer your child.There might be concern about your son being able to mix with others and his social opportunities,so have that covered.I would recomment INFORMATION EXCHANGE,a fantastic magazine for parents like you and teachers.Contact RNIB,SENSE for further information.
Also The Sensory Curriculum by Flo Longhorn.Superb for your son.I.E will have the information as it`s just been re-published.You are clearly devoted to your son-GOOD LUCK!

Ah aqs going to suggest HC website- very helpful

At PMLD schools a lot of the curriculum for children with PMLD is based around sensory experiences. Why not ask Christie the sorts of things she does- you'll probably find that if you write down what you're doing you're doing it already iykwim.

Also browse the ofsted reports of PMLD schools- lots of ideas there, and perhaps check out SLD/PMLD school websites.

Be creative. You use sensory stuff to study science - touch his hand to things. Read to him, take him on outings.
Statementing is compulsory IF the LA decide to do it.
Who has asked you to 'prove' you are home educating him at home?