CONFUSED FRIEND REGARDING SPECIAL NEEDS

[BloodyTenaLady]

Speaking with a lady at the swimming pool this morning (see her most weeks) but today she told me her ds5 school has said at a parents evening will need extra teaching help throughout his schooling. She seems a bit in the dark as how the child now becomes statemented. Can anyone enlighten me? Is this something the GP does on the basis of a call or letter from the school.

What happens next?

Try here for general advice about how to go about getting a statement etc.

Did the teacher say that your friend's ds needs a statement or did she mention School Action and School Action Plus? (the stages before statementing)

Actually that site looks difficult to navigate. Here's a more direct link here

Thanks for that, so It looks as though the GP isnt really in the loop then, more school parent and LEA. I suppose thinking about it, why should a GP be involved its not really an illness.

No, no mention of either of the school action plus thingy's.

Maybe she is confused and thinks she should go to the GP for statementing. I dont think she has got the right information by the sounds of it.

I suppose she might need to see a GP to get a referral to someone else if the problem is a medical one. Otherwise I would say that the Ed Psych is probably the next person to speak to if your friend's ds has particular needs that require further investigation.

If a statement is needed then it's best that your friend writes to the LEA herself to request one. If the school make the request on her behalf and the LEA refuse, there is nothing that the school can do. If your friend puts the request in herself then she has the right to appeal if the request is rejected.

Usually the LEA want the school to show that they (the school) can't provide the help the child need themselves. This means that the school will usually try School Action Plus first.

Cross-posted. Can she make an appointment with the school to speak to the teacher and the SENCO? (Special needs Co-ordinator) They should be explaining everything to her properly, not just dropping a bombshell at parents evening and leaving her to worry.

I know, its all a bit worrying for her. Wont see her till next week, so will pass on information to her if she hasnt already stumbled across it.
Thanks that was really helpful.