Getting supporting letter from Consultant?

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Hello, I'd like to ask if someone can help with some ideas of what to ask my dd's consultant to put in a letter to support her application to primary school. My dd has an eye condition, to simplify it means she is visually impaired (not going into all the details as that would be too complicated). I've had a talk with the headmistress of a school I wish my daughter to go to and she advised me to get my dd's consultant to write a letter of support for her application. My question is what should I put in the letter which will have any weight? My dp and I believe the school is particularly suited to our dd's needs but the LEA might not agree! The scool is very small, has no stairs and her cousin is present at the school. She wears a patch and great big thick glasses and I want her to be in an environment where bullying will be noticed and taken care of quickly should she be subject to that. So what should I ask the doctor to write? I think the 'no stairs' argument will hold some weight but not sure if bullying concerns will (though for me as a mother this is probably the most important). I guess I could argue that her cousin is on school and he can be of assitance to her if she needed it, but obviously noone will expect him to be a guideperson for her either. Are there other things I should think about and seek to get included in the doctors letter? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

I would make a great deal about the stairs, also if they have TAs who can help with visits to the toilet, or the toilets are especially well laid out. If there is a lot of contrast in decoration (its easier to see black and white contrast to colour/white or colour/black). The playground and its layout. If there is much playground furniture? If the school has experience of children with visual impairment or learning difficulties. If they already have any specialist equipment: writing slopes, special tables, etc. If they keep ride on toys to one dedicated area. Having separate classrooms not open plan might help as it will keep background noise levels down (on the other hand open plan could help with movement and less obstacles).

I wouldn't mention bullying, although you could mention the discipline, and bullying codes. I also wouldn't mention the cousin, unless to say it is an environment she is already familiar with.

The consultant is not allowed to mention any particular school: his job is to mention the features your dd's school needs to have- and then it is your job to demonstrate that this is the only school that meets these criteria.

So I would ask the consultant to write that your dd needs a small school (for ease of navigation) and with no stairs. But it is very important that it is in his words, not X's mother thinks.

I would not mention bullying- after all, it is not the size of the school that determines how good they are at dealing with bullying, sometimes big schools are very good and small schools fall down on the job.Nobody can guarantee that bullying is more likely to happen in one place than another in a year's time.

I would mention the cousin. But only in the context of your dd feeling vulnerable and needing support. And I would only ask the consultant to confirm this in his letter if he has seen enough of your dd to see her that she is emotionally fragile.

Thank you both mummytime and cory both really useful tips. I didn't know that the consultant had to write in his own words, I was planning on putting my words into his mouth! Also hadn't thought about the play equiptment etc in that detail. Lots of food for thought and I think I'll book a further visit to the school for my ammunition. Thanks again for your replies!

In any situation where medical evidence is being submitted it must be what the Consultant says.
So if the letter says Mrs X tells me that ....., then it is not worth anything. It must say that I have examined X and that they are suffering from Y and that in my opinion she should go to a small school with no stairs where her visual impairment will not create an issue. That will probably be enough to ensure that suitable regard will be given to the medical condition. However it is upto the LA to make a determination and they may have a very different opinion about what is an appropriate school to you.
The fear of bullying is a non issue as far as school admissions are concerned, there has to be actual bullying that is recorded by the school.

Admissions thank you for clarifying that. I really didn't know that the consultant had to put it in his own words. Thanks for the advice!

Hi

I was in this exact same situation last year. My son has short tendons in his ankles, whcih means he walks on tip-toes all the time, so his balance is terrible. His consultant did us a letter confirming his condition and the type of school that would be best. The fact that the school I chose, had no steps/stairs inside was a major issue as it minimised the risk. He got into the school based on this.

He still comes home covered in bruises all the time though.