Nefarious funding issue

[KisstheTeapot14]

DS is 8 and has a diagnosed mild to moderate SpLD.

I could write a whole chapter on what this past year at his school has been like. I won't bore you, I'm sure many have the T shirt when it comes to broken promises, stubborn teachers, fighting every step, being fobbed off.

It's been a nightmare. Every week, something to firefight.

I am suspicious that - although he has internal funding for some particular sessions - the school are using a TA for a group session who is allocated full time 1:1 to another child.

I can't prove it, but its a hunch - one the other child's family share. They say statement is for full hours - group time should have 2nd adult.

I know this happens (a quick google shows similar conversations from mumsnet over the years) - its a common fudge apparently for schools with lots of SEN needs and not enough cash to try and 're-allocate' unofficially.

But..its a kind of fraud. What is down on paper is - I suspect - not what is happening IRL.

I don't like it one bit - the family had to fight for their funding, and its been a long process for us to get provision for DS too.

What would you do?

I have asked SENCO and been told 'that is not how it is'.

Email? Feeling like I want things in writing now.

I'd stick to fighting your own particular battle rather than that of the other parent. I've been the parent of the child with the full time 1:1 who's been shared round the class. It is a matter of getting solid proof. The Senco accused my son of lying. The only way to really sort it, if you have proof, is to report it to the authority as they're responsible for the EHCP and funding.

Thanks lanbury. The other childs parents have fought and regained the 1:1 but it means DS is out on his ear from the group work. I am now fighting that as he needs daily exercises to combat his dyspraxia problems. School suggested meeting but I thought they would flannel, so have asked for written response.

If the school is receiving funding for it, he should be getting it. Perhaps it's worth you requesting an assessment for an EHCP from the LA? It then becomes legally binding. Have a word with your local parent partnership too (SENDIS in our area) who can help clarify what you DC should be getting.