SENCO

[Mrhappy07]

Hi
Just wondering if anyone has had experience of dealing with a very negative SENCO in primary school. My daughter had real difficulties in reception, with anxiety which led to challenging behaviour at times. She is now five and has made great progress in year 1 and all the staff I have met throughout the year have commented on her amazing behaviour and how she has settled so well in year 1. as they all thought it would be a nightmare. Throughout this year their has been no behaviour issues other than she can ask too many questions at carpet time.
The SENCO is saying small steps have been made and there is along way to go. I just find it really strange when there has been such significant improvement.

I do ask some of these questions in meetings, but I never seem to get a straight answer. I suppose I have to trust in what the school is doing a bit more. It just seems that they have their own agenda and that's what they are following regardless of any progress being made. I just wonder how the help can continue as behaviour support when I'm being told there are no behaviour issues.

MrHappy don't lose heart. You have noticed your DD's improvement yourself. I would just keep asking, in writing preferably and keep documenting improvements and make sure you know what they should be telling you. Make it clear to them you know too. You can make a request for your DD's School Record (which is all the records that are kept on her by the school) and they have to comply with this within 3 weeks. Make sure your own documented views are submitted to the LA for the Annual Review. You can submit them yourself, separately, if you wish.

Further advice is available from these people:

www.ipsea.org.uk/

These people have advice too:

www.ace-ed.org.uk/

And if your daughter's behaviour does not need supporting, this should be acknowledged and the support tailed off, with a view to ceasing it. If your daughter does not need support, the funding the school receives should not be ascribed to her.

Thanks, I will see what happens at the review.