Proposed statement

[gravelchops]

Well at long last we have finally received a proposed statement for my son (yr 2, aspergers).
Have started the long task of analysing it. Many (but not all) of his needs are defined but amazingly they have not quantified a single item in the document - they have not specified any hours for any activity, they have not specified who will be providing the support/strategies, no hours of support, no funding, NOTHING.

My question is how do I handle requesting the changes?

1. I have requested a meeting with the statementing officer but in the meantime do I tell them of my concerns and start negotiating now or wait until the meeting?

1. Do i need to specify who i want to provide support or let the LA advise?

1. To what extent do i involve my son's school? I get the feeling they won't like it if we push for defined hours of support e.g. social skills group work

1. I've been ringing IPSEA for two days but can't get through. I want them to look at the statement. Does anyone have any specific contacts?

1. Any other advice for me?

Thanks very much!

You need to appeal it. I don't have any direct experience but the law says that provision should be 'specified' in Statements and the Code of Practice interprets this as meaning it should normally be quantified.

Legal reference: Section 324(3) (b) and Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 8:37.

My question is how do I handle requesting the changes?

1. When is the meeting? To be honest, if none of the support on offer is specified or quantified, the statement is meaningless and I would be tempted to go straight to tribunal. However, if the meeting is imminent, you could go along.

If you do be very, very clear and firm about what you want. Don't leave to to the LA to advise. Aim for the very highest level of support you think your child needs. They are not going to offer you full time 1:1 support with a trained and qualified professional without a proper scrap, put it that way!

If the school are supportive of your views, involve them. Get the SENCo to knock out a letter backing you up. If they aren't, don't involve them and discount their views.

If you want IPSEA to look at the statement asap, you might struggle. They are very busy. Keep trying, though. Evenings are best, I have found.

If you want more detailed advice, PM me. I have just been through the whole process myself for my Yr 1 Asperger's son, so I feel your pain!

Excuse random sentence I cut from your post! I was going to answer point for point but relaised I am running late for uni! Sorry!