Why would a school talk you out of applying for a statutory assessment?

[Kandyfruit]

Hello,
From things he has told me about his school life, I believe my son is dyslexic. The things he has said and phrases from his school reports seem just like the type of thing you'd find on a list describing dyslexia 'symptoms'.

He reading and maths are graded about a year ahead and his writing about 2 years behind. So I would have thought that is a difference of 3 years.

I have asked for a statutory assessment and the teacher has made me come in and told me this is not what I actually want to do.

I am going to speak to parents in partnership tomorrow. But I cannot afford a private test. I just want to know how I can get a proper pychologist report without paying for it as I cannot afford it. And why does the school try and put you off - what have they got to lose?

The Dept Head told me on friday that they hadn't had a statemented child in 12 years. Presumably because they tell parents not to bother trying.

Simple

Statements cost money.

The LEA has to make funding available to provide the support stated in a Statement.

Schools are under the control of LEAs - so schools don't want to upset their masters - the LEA - by applying for Statements that will cause their masters additional expenditure. (Not a good career move).

There is no way he will meet the criteria for a Statement, nor does he need one. All he needs is help with his writing. Your school already has money to help kids at school action (which he should be on).

Does he have an IEP and is he on School Action? That is what you need to be pushing for.

If I were you i would be talking to IPSEA and SOS!SEN about ways to use the system to suit rather than going for a sattement: I do know some kids with dyslexia statements but they are few and far between and that will increase with funding deficits.

Ed psych assessments can be hard to get adn ATM in our LEA there is nobody can dx dyslexia for sure; only done privately. You can get help but it's at school discreation. A delay of 2 years will probably be enough but the year advance won't count: why should it? Why would a child a year advance get help ahead of someone on average rating but 2.5 years behind? The difference from the eman is what counts. it's a shame but there isn't money for more: bear in mind that kids with severe disabilitys truggle to get help at all these days.

Now, if after speaking to IPSEA you feel a statement is still what you want then apply. but do consider a few other avenues. I can't give you anything free other than who are good but you may want to look into either BIBIC (who do more severe disability too but do cover dyslexia) or the dyscovery centre. BIBIC is reasonably priced but Dyscovery isn't- some NHS trusts will refer there but I bet that's rare now as well.

Kandyfruit, it is hard to see your child struggle. Dyslexia can be a real barrier to learning.

The statutory assessment process is designed to identify the needs of children with severe and/or complex needs who can't be catered for within the school's normal resources.

80% of SNs funding is already given to the school in the form of 'devolved funding', which means that the school is given a pot of money to spend on all the children with SNs in their care.

What you really need to do is this:

-Ask to meet with the SENCO
-look at your DS's IEP & see if it is useful
-Ask if your DS is on school action or school action plus
-Ask for a dyslexia assessment
-Contact BIBIC

It could be that the Deputy Head is saying that they are so good at meeting children's needs that no one ever gets that far.(hmm)

Hi, Statements cost money, affect league table results, mean staff training, are a legal document that they [are supposed] to comply with.
A child with any SEN will need aditional help in class and resouces bought. The bottom line from our experience is that some schools just don't like it. They like children who are easy to teach, and who they can put a tick in the box for. If you feel your child needs educational support you must fight for it, if this means a statement or not.
The key phrase is Access to Education, throw this one at them and mention Disability Discrimination, then stand back and watch the reaction!!

Thanks for everyones advice.

He does not have an IEP and he is not on school action.

Yes it is hard to see my child struggle. I am thinking of home education because he is getting pretty unhappy.

I am going to call Partnership with Parents tomorrow and discuss things with them.

Kandy truth is soem kids do thrive on HE and there are many HE'ers on MN (have a look in the SEN section) but he should be on an IEP with a 2 year delay I woudl think and I would be having a look at the IPSEA website to garner info for a stern chat with teh SENCO.

And do consider BIBIC; £50 atm apparently.