How.do.I.go.about.getting.a.statment.of.SEN's???

[mummyloveslucy]

Hi,.sorry.about.the.full.stopps.My.space.bar.isn't.working.

My.daughter.is.7.years.old.and.has.been.home.educated.for.the.last.16.months.We.are.going.to.be.putting.her.back.into.a.school.in.september.She.will.difinatly.need.a.statement,as.she.isn't.reading,writing.or.even.the.most.basic.maths.She.also.has.problems.with.her.toileting.and.co-ordination.

I.need.to.get.the.ball.rolling.ASAP.as.it.takes.about.6.months,or.so.I've.heard.If.anyone.could.point.me.in.the.right.direction,I'd.be.really.greatful.

Thank.you...

bump

Hello, may I suggest you post in Special needs - children, as there's a lot more traffic there

Thank.you,I.will..

I'm not sure how this would work for home educated children but in my area it would take the best part of an academic year in school if you are lucky. I have been a SENCO for nearly 15 years and all i can advise is be ready for a battle. Local Authorities are trying to cut the number of statements and so it is becoming increasingly difficult to get statements. There is a route that parents can take to request statutory assessment, even for parents who have children in school. You would need reports from professionals, educational psychologist etc. The LA would want accurate and up to date assessments of your child's current levels etc.
Perhaps if you contact your local parent partnership they might be able to offer more specific advice for your situation.
Sorry if this seems negative but in my experience getting a statement is no easy task and I believe being forewarned is being for armed.

Thank.you.plp123.That.is.helpful.to.know.I.don't.think.it.would.be.possible.for.my.DD.to.attend.any.school.without.one.She.can't.read.at.all,has.problems.with.her.speech.can't.do.basic.maths.and.has.bowel.and.bladder.problems.On.a.bad.day,she'll.need.changing.up.to.6.times.
Her.self.help.skills.are.also.very.limmited.due.to.poor.co-ordination.

Have you spoken to your LA SEN team? They should be able to explain the process. I'm guessing with your daughters complex needs you would already have other professionals involved? Speech therapist, paediatrician etc. I can't speak for other LA but mine has specific thresholds that they would consider statementing for. These are both P levels (attainment levels) and developmental ages.

"I can't speak for other LA but mine has specific thresholds that they would consider statementing for".

That could actually be seen as blanket policy which is unlawful. Many LEAs do try and dodge their statutory responsibilities here.

IPSEA and SOSSEN to name but two are independent and can also advise re the statementing process. Many Parent Partnerships can work all too closely with the LEA in question and can tow their party line on such matters.

Would definitely second Attila's advice. As well as IPSEA and SOSSEN do get a SEN code of practise because you are going to have to know what you should be doing and to ensure that the LA do as they should.
Making a request for statutory assessment will mean that the LA will reassess Lucy's levels anyway so don't worry about her levels as yet (dd has a statement and just came top of her whole year so levels aren't the be all and end all anyway). Make sure you have all recent reports from SALT, OT and bladder and bowel specialist to submit with your request.
Definitely ask the ladies on the SN children's board for advice and support they will know more than the school most likely and Parent Partnership can be partisan (seeing as LA pay their salaries)
Really glad you have found a school that you like and I hope Lucy will be very happy there.

Another vote for IPSEA and for making the SEN Code of practice your bedtime reading for the summer.

Wow, it sounds as if it really is going to be a battle! Why should it be so hard for children to get the help they need? It's rediculous!

I'll look into IPSEA and SOSSEN. Thanks everyone.

Yes it's time to become warrior mum, believe in yourself and you knowing what Lucy needs to make school enjoyable for her and for her to make the best progress. Then with that in mind you take on the LA with the knowledge from the code of practise and advice and support who have done it before you here on Mumsnet. Hell I've done it twice and I've survived to tell the tale and you will too

go to your GP and get a referal to a pediatrician, from there they can refer to any other specialists that may be required, i don't think you would get a statement before school started in September..