Case worker driving me mad!

[Ellen68]

DS's proposed statement arrived December 19th, dated Dec 17th. According to my records and the SEN helpline, the final statement has to agreed and finalised eight weeks from the date of the proposed statement. This date would be February 11th. Our case worker is insisting it is Jan 21st, because "that is what it says in my system". She is obviously keen to get the statement finalised and is suggesting that we accept his current school, even though we have named a different one in part 4, attached a detailed document with reasons and fed back on each part of the proposed statement. So, am I right about the eight weeks deadline or am I going mad?.....

Hi Ellen, LA has 26 weeks to complete from the original request but can be earlier. This is the dates the case worker has to work to. I imagine the request went in July? If so that is why the January deadline is in place. However, they must consider your preference so do not feel pressured to accept a school to meet their deadlines. You can ask for a meeting to discuss this or any part of the statement and this will allow more time - Look at the letter that came with the proposed statement on this - it should have statutory wording about your right to do this.