I don’t know how I will get through the hearing.

[CheeseAndTheWheeze]

I have a hearing for a refusal to issue in a few weeks. I’m sick to my stomach with nerves, I don’t know how I’m going to get through it.

The LEA have witnesses in the form of DD’s teachers who have offered their opinions in opposing me (even in the face of professional assessments supporting me). They have also requested their own SaLT attend who knows DD and is also supporting me (I assume because his reports agree DD needs intervention). I have no witnesses and I can’t shell out for legal help. Legal aid is almost non existent.

The LEA have ignored my independent SaLT report which specifies daily interventions for DD by a trained TA. The LEA response to the hearing panel, does not mention my report, but they do use their own SaLT report who also support interventions but is not as in depth or specific.

The main issue is how I’ll react if the judge rules against me, I’m worried I’ll look stupid for failing and that I will also become emotional.

Is the decision made on the day? I’ve been told even the panel do not have to look at independent reports. Is this true?

OP, can I just say that your DC is very lucky to have you, as it sounds like you are fighting tooth and nail to get them access to the support they need to achieve their potential. You are doing a brave and good thing to uphold their rights in a system that is utterly broken and failing children and their families. I hope whatever happens, even in a worst case scenario (not likely given odds of parental success), you will take comfort from knowing you did absolutely everything you could to get them what they need. It's a brutal and sometimes scary business as an individual parent going up against institutions with a lot of power over our children's lives, but as they often act in their own interests, and not the interests of the children and families they should be supporting, we often don't have any choice.

In the scenario you are concerned about, yes that could feel overwhelming in the moment, but perhaps so be it, and some of your pain and frustration deserves to be seen? They'll know and you'll know you fought for your child's needs to be met. Good luck. I hope someone has some practical advice for you,

Try not to panic. SENDIST will consider independent reports. In a minority of cases, you know on the day, but for most it is afterwards. If during the hearing you need 5 minutes, you can ask.

@coldcouture Thanks for the lovely message. I’m just sick with with nerves.

@OvertakenByLego Thanks, do you know how long after the hearing?

@coldcouture Thanks for the lovely message. I’m just sick with with nerves.

@OvertakenByLego Thanks, do you know how long after the hearing?

It should be about 10 working days. However, at the moment, it is anywhere from 10 days up to about 30.

Hi @CheeseAndTheWheeze
I've just gone through this. Please DM me if you would like more information

@OvertakenByLego That is a long time to be in suspense, but I may prefer that than having an emotional outburst if I’m ruled against at the hearing.

@mermaidsvssuperheros I’ve PMd you .

@CheeseAndTheWheeze I just PM you. Also, just to say that I burst into flood s of tears just after the SENCO had given evidence. I was so overwhelmed with ALL the stress of it. The judge was lovely and suggested a 10minute break and said that if / when I needed more to just ask.

Sendist looked through All our reports, some state and some private and used sections of them in the decision.
If the school hasn't used the reports properly, this goes in your favour

@mermaidsvssuperheros thank you. It is very stressful. I know I won’t be able to hold it together, so I hope my judge is as nice as yours.

Were you told when to expect the decision?

Not sure if I missed this.

How did it go?💝