Senco hates me, wont help my kids, what next? PART 1

[loudmouthmum]

When I first moved here 4 yrs ago, Eldest (10 1/2)was on SA+,SENCO took away all help, had to go to tribunal as she still needed it(she couldn't read or write at 6 1/2).School is LYING about her levels acheived, is refusing to put her in for her SATS,as she won't reach the levels(god forbid it makes the school look bad!).SENCO won't help me get the statement, in fact putting obstacles in my way.Daughter STILL cant add and subtract to 10,can't tell time or work out money,she's 1 year away from secondary!She also has GDD, mild ASD,A heart condition that the school won't take seriously(she will need surgery soon to replace her leaky heart valves,they won't tell supply teachers,she's not allowed to rest during PE),learning difficulties, and she's just been diagnosed with epilepsy, which the SENCO is refusing to believe despite it being her who brought up the seizures in the first place??!!What do I do?

is she under a paediatrician?

Yes, school doc, external pediatrician, heart specialist, pediatric Neuro( still waiting for 1st appointment), Audiology and ENT (forgot to mention she is hearing impaired). When youinger, she was also seen by SALT, OT and Physio.

Can you feasibly change schools?

and a child health doctor? can you go to them directly?
sorry - hope someone more knowledgeable can advise

change schools. she's young enough to settle somewhere else. start making a list of all the places you want to ring the day before the first day or term, and arrange to go and look around and chat.
this is very common, and sometimes banging your head against a brick wall is just pointless. look for somewhere that agree your dd needs support and that you feel with work with you to get it.

Closest school with space is 37 miles away, and have 2 other kids I need to place. Our area has too few schools for children to the point where we are getting a new primary September '09 (when she starts secondary!)

Plus I can't drive due to my epilepsy.

She also hasn't seen an EP since she's been here as SENCO has to put her forward. Have requested this, not happened. Her last EP assessment was 4 1/2 years ago, in a different school. Requested from EP personally, she can't see her unless SENCO puts her forward, I can't afford a private assessment. Also requested from LEA, they hold no power over this matter (blasted devolved SEN budgets!)

urgh. then write a letter to the LEA requesting statutory assessment. template letter on the ipsea website.
you might not get one (or in actuality, need one) but at least they'll know you mean business.

Tried that once, a year ago, am about to try again!

good luck
hopefully the fact that she's now approaching secondary will be in your favour. do you have any links with support groups locally for any of her issues? ie NAS? they are often quite good with offering help and have a lending library which can give you lots of ideas re education and stuff?

NAS agree 2 of my kids are autistic spectrum ( only have dx for daughter), we have a strong family history history (brother dx aspergers at 5, now 17, uncle dx same at 47). I may have to go back. Also get support from Epilepsy Action, and a local support group for families with disabled children (Stardust)where I go, and in September will also be volunteering there. Get telephone advice from the Hypermobility Syndrome Association, but they help with practical stuff, not educational. Not likely, I have to send in the application form by 27th October, we get them 2 weeks before. SENCO at secondary hes admitted she is 'close personal friends' with the SENCO that hates me!!

I meant not likely about her being near secondary age helping.

oh blimey. move house lol?

Wish I could, I'm housing association, and no-one wants my house for exchange due to there being no spaces in local schools. Been trying for over 2 years.

how far could you consider moving to?
although that is rather extreme.
can you get your doctor on your side

I've had reports from the GP, pediatrician & heart specialist (from Addenbrookes), still no joy.

can you try special needs board. must be more advice available there?

oops - it is

no, it's SEN. not SN. post there as well.

You say that you haven't seen a Paed as the SENCO won't refer, have you tried getting a referral from your GP?

My GP was happy to refer me to the Paed when I spoke to him about DD's dyspraxia, and the SENCO can't override a paed surely?

you don't have a paed? missed that! who co-ordinates the epilepsy, heart condition and GDD then?

She hasn't been assessed for 4 1/2 years! It's awful.
Oh, also, complain to the Governors once you get your referral.

actually, writing to the governors is a good idea. they will already have dd on the radar because of scores/ SATs etc. it would be interesting to suggest to the governing body that she is not getting the help she requires in order to improve... is SENCo a teaching member do you know? i confess i always speak to the head in the first instance but GB sounds worth a punt.

Firstly the schools league table position will be the same whether they put your daughter in for her SATs and she does poorly or they apply for an exemption for her so they won't be worried about being made to look bad.
What did her IEP say at her previous school ? what level of support was she receiving before you moved? Why didn't she have a statement from her other school if she has GDD, ASD and epilepsy (undiagnosed?) ?