Access to documentation for stat assessment

[streakybacon]

Last Oct I applied for stat assessment for my then 9 yo with Asperger's. It was turned down, and shortly afterwards things got so bad in his school that I took him out to home ed. I intend this to be at least a long-term solution, probably permanent. I didn't appeal the decision because it's no longer an issue to provide support in school now he's not there, and anyway I actually believe his needs could be met at SA+ and reckon SENDIST would find the same.

However, if our circumstances change in the future I may need to return ds to the school system. I know that had I pursued an appeal I would have received all the documentation relating to the application at some point, but I'd like to have copies of everything that's been submitted so far. There's evidence that school have not been truthful about their experiences with ds and I think it would be useful for me to be aware of these opinions if I need to argue his case for stat assessment in the future.

So, what's the legal position about requesting stat assessment documents at this stage? Has anyone done it before and what response have you had?

thanks
x

do you have a social worker attached ?- if not ring childrens disability team and ask for one - they job is to advocate for you and get all that for you. your you're still entitled to support wherever he is.

Thanks, that's a good idea. Hadn't considerred that so will maybe give them a ring.

Made a few phone calls and have written off for paperwork all over the place. SEN admin are getting his file together for me.

Hi my dear,

if you may want him back in school at some point I would get informed now so you know what evidence you need from the begining.

The bar for triggering Statutory Assessemnt is low and is only the first hurdle - next one is getting them to issue a Statement after Statutory Assessment, then possibly appealing if the Statement is not right i.e. Parts 2 does not describe his needs fully, Part 3 fails to quantify/ qualify support to be in place to meet these needs and Part 4 is not the school you want him to be at.

Be prepared is my advice.

Look at IPSEA web-site then call their Advice Line - www.ipsea.org.uk. This is the place to start! They are fantastic. Good luck.