At what stage do we go to SENDIST?

[jackofall]

Hello
We have just had our final statement through from the LEA - despite telling them we were not happy with the proposed one (lacking in detail, inaccurate reports etc)...
they have agreed to meet with us to discuss it and also our choice of school ( we want a non maintained school)but i was wondering when we do the SENDIST thing?
Some people have said now to let them know we mean business and to get the balls in motion and others have said see how the meeting goes but let them know at the meeting we are considering it?
any thoughts??

www.sendist.gov.uk

Their website has more information on it, there is a section for parents.

If your haven't already contacted IPSEA or SOS;SEN I would suggest you do so as a matter of course. IPSEA can sometimes send a rep to Tribunal.

www.ipsea.org.uk

thanks attila

Jackoff, going to SENDIST has got more complicated now and as Attila says, contact one (or both)of the organisations she has suggested. Also, you have two months from the DATE of the final statement issued to you to get your Appeal into SENDIST and you must include every bit of evidence you have as to why you are going to Appeal so if you need independent reports down, get them done now!!! Sometimes independent assessors can be fully booked for months or would not be able to produce a written report within the timescales. Do not let your LEA lead you down the garden path using delaying tactics etc and anything they do agree to prior to SENDIST, GET IN WRITING. Do not take their verbal word for it. If you do put in for an Appeal, do NOT withdraw it until you are happy with what the LEA finally say (IN WRITING) don't let them say "you contact SENDIST and withdraw the Appeal", remember to tell them that you will, after all that has been agreed is received in writing from you. LEA's can be slippery little buggers!

It appears commercialisation is more important than salient and cogent advice to parents. Well, lets see how long this message stays on the thread!!

I did not take any nonsense from the LEA after years of lying to me and raising my blood pressure. I got my son's statement in Nov 08 and went straight away to see an educational law solicitor. She put all the papers through. It took 6 months and I went to the Hearing 2 weeks ago. I also wanted an independent specialist school. Awaiting for the decision.

It was very stressful. The Lea kept promising me this and that, all the provision I wanted as long as I withdrew the appeal. I did not .

Do not be fobbed off and believe them. Good luck.

Lodge your appeal straight away but keep talking to the LEA - that's the advice I got from my solicitor. As others have said - believe NOTHING the LEA tells you until you have it in writing. Check EVERYTHING they say against the SEN COP.

Don't trust them an inch - their goal is to save money - your goal is to obtain a suitable education for your child. Not mutually compatible.

Best wishes