Can you move a statement from one LEA to another?

[crimplene]

Hi

I'm just about to apply for a statement for DS and am reasonbly sure that our LEA will be helpful about it as they have a history of providing statements pretty reliably for children with the same dx as DS. I'm planning to move in the next year or so and some other LEAs have a track record of refusing to statement children with the same dx (I know of a few not even on SA or SA+ and having a terrible time). My plan is to wait here a while longer than I otherwise would just to get the thing done.

Is it worth my while waiting and then can it be transferred? or does it add weight to the argument that the new LEA should provide one? Or is it useless elsewhere and I'd have to start from scratch whatever?

Cheers!

I'm not an expert, but I moved areas 18 months ago with dd2 who has SN. Our new LEA told me that they were obliged to follow and adopt any statement the child already had. They do re-write it their own way and adapt it somewhat, but it was basically the same. I would go for the statement now if you feel you're more likely to get one, then I don't think your new area can ignore it. But hopefully someone more certain will come along...

The statement passes from one LEA ... makesure if you move you drop a copy off at the school as paperwork is notoriously slow to follow :S

Yep, agree with bigwombat. They'd have to re-assess to get the statement changed; if you turn up without one, they can jsut refuse to assess until you have to go to Tribunal! You don't have to wait until the Statement is finalised - even if you wait for a draft statement, that will be good enough for the new LEA to have to carry on the process. Call IPSEA (google them) for more precise advice! They're really helpful.

Yes, (unless they changed the rules in the 6 months) it moves with the child, and yes if your present lea is more likely to be compliant with the guide lines than where you plan to move, I would start the ball rolling now.

Oh good! It makes it worth staying here then - DS is still 4 months under 2, so I can only apply then, but I'm pretty convinced that it will be a fairly smooth ride compared to many LEAs, or at least we've got a sporting chance of getting one here.