Statement review urgent, quick question

[positiveattitudeonly]

Just a quickie that I am sure you knowledgeable ones will know the answer to straight away.

Statement review planned for this coming Thursday for DD3. We have not received any documents yet. I know some have been with the school for at least the last month, so should we receive copies before the review date?

I thought we had to have them 2 weeks before the review date. Am I wrong?

Thank you very much, IA.

Your right you should have received all the documentation relating to your child well in advance of any meeting (SEN code of Practice). I would ask the school for copies of the documentation.

Thank you for that Dolfin.

I knew I was right, but just needed it confirmed, if you understand me. The school are being an absolute nightmare, so no surprise that they have mucked up. I sort of feel as if I want to go to the review and then produce the code of practice and tell them where they have gone wrong!
I have just looked at the SEN code of practice and I noticed a few issues we have fought over already. I should have got my act in gear earlier and researched more.
Dd has a statement for dyspraxia and dyslexia since the age of 4 (now 15)and has been ill with CFS/ME for over a year. At the last review we were asked not to mention her illness as it was "irrelevant", despite the fact she was unable to attend school because of it and has not returned since! I see there is special mention of this sort of situation. Oh I am now itching to get a highlighter pen and do some colouring all over the code so that I can pick out relevant bits for the arguement review on Thursday.

I am so releived this is DD last one. The sooner we are through this system the better!

Sorry, got a little carried away in the excitement of being right!
Thanks again,

Your welcome. Have asked Parent Partnership (england) / SNAP (wales) go through the documentation / come with you to the review? If you are going to challenge the School /LEA, it is best to have independent witness with specialist SEN knowledge to be advise you, be present and who will provide minutes of the review. I know from our own experience it is v difficult. Keep focused, you can make a difference. Good luck!

Thanks again. The documents arrived this morning!
I have spoken to Oassis today and they were really helpful and are sending things in the post that I hope i have time to look at before Thursday.
I have used parent partnership in the past, but not found them terribly good and I just ended up irritated that she was being so feeble about something. Our paediatrician is really good and supportive and will be there. I know this isn't educational expertise, but I am sure she will do all she can.

I feel a bit like Daniel entering the lion's den, but will be strong and not agree to anything I am not 100% sure of. Last year I entered with a consultants letter saying DD was too ill to be at school and should be having home tutoring.....and ended up agreeing to a reduced timetable, that I had been asking for for 3 months and they ahd refused up til then!!! I think I ahve learnt my lesson.

Thanks again. I will post and let you know how I got on.

Our experience of parent partnership was similiar to yours, we thought they were more interested in soothing over the cracks than ensuring our child rights were being met. When it got a bit tricky and we started to challenge practice - parent partnership appeared to not want to engage, ie not able to meetings. But saying that when they were present, the schools attitude was more approachable - no unprofessional comments made, no tutting. And importantly they were there as an independent witness and provided minutes. Good luck with the review.

Hi Dolfin, just thought I would let you know how we got on. Nobody had been sent our submission. The school tried to say I had not sent it in, but I caught them out by reminding them that they had sorted out an appointment I had asked them to, then read the latter that had accompanied our submission, also asking for that appointment to be made. Embarrassed faces from them. Then when everyone read all our negative points the SENCO tried to ask to us explain what dd wanted to do next year, but I put my foot down and said that the word REVIEW means looking at last year first, then moving on. I was not going to have our complaints swept under the carpet any more and ignored and us made to feel bad! I think they got the message and as the meeting was with hospital consultants, psychologists, education specialist and the LA it was not good for the school! Anyway, sorry, small rant there, just needed to tell someone! I am happy with the outcome! Roll on end of education system when DD leaves next June.

I am glad that the outcome was good and you had your opportunity to have your say I am constantly amazed by some schools responses to children, young people and their parents -lets hope the school reflect, learn and that the next family with a child experiencing difficulties have a better experience. I probably have another 7 years of statement reviews ahead - hopefully with more people challenging poor practice things will improve. Good luck with the future.