Does being in First Concerns count as SEN? Do they qualify for extra funds?

[Sanity1]

I'm really worried my daughter is being failed badly by her school. I suspect she may have mild ADHD. She is very distractable, socially clumsy and never finishes anything.

She hates writing. The one time she finished a piece of writing in class the teacher said it was because she had a teaching assistant with her when she did it. They then followed it up with that won't happen again as they don't have the time. So effectively she's on her own.

Basically she can read well, she can write (although she won't) and she's pretty good at maths. So the teachers say she doesn't qualify for time with the teaching assistant and to make it worse they punish her for not getting her work done on time by making her miss play time. I am not sure what they say to her in class but all her classmates tell her (and me) shes slow. "xxxx's soooo slow...."

I am wondering if there is any way I can get any support for her in school. She is only year 1 and if this continues by later in school she's going to be a mess.

Can anyone help?

First Concerns is what your LA call SEN support. On its own it doesn't attract additional funding, the support is expected to be funded by the school out of their notional SEN budget. However, if necessary, they can apply for high needs top up funding.

What are school doing to support DD?

Have you considered applying for an EHCP? That can guarantee support, including 1:1, and can have additional funding attached.

I'd make an appointment to speak with the SENCo at the school. Schools have a duty to use their ‘best endeavours’ to secure special educational provision for all children or young people for whom they are responsible.

www.ipsea.org.uk/the-best-endeavours-duty

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this. Firstly definitely make an appointment to speak to the SENCO and your daughter's class teacher. Take a list of your concerns as it's easy to forget. Make sure to ask for clarification on what they are doing to support your daughter.

Next make an appointment with your GP. Ask for a referral to an ADHD specialist. Waiting lists can be long so get in there quickly and persevere!