Request for assessment

[hatchypom]

Ok - Upfront I know we're not all in the same boat and some of us have children with complex needs. My dd is profoundly deaf and therefore has speech and language delay but otherwise is doing well. we've been refused assessment twice but both times have received funding for 1-1 full time TA support. She's progressing well but entirely as the result of private SLT input and a great TA. I have 3 questions for you all.

1. Should I appeal the refusal to assess, in many ways i've got what i want (TA funded) and she is catching up
2. what would the statement do, above and beyond more security over funding.
3. Is the refusal impacted by the fact she's at a private nursery (part of a larger private school)

Be nice, I'm new to all of this and horribly naive.

Im new too so don't really know but will bump this and keep it up there

Hello Hatchypom!! I'm a newbie to statements because we have recently got one but it hasn't 'kicked in' yet, so most of what I know comes from this section of MN.

1. I think you should appeal; even if they decide to assess they may still decide not to give a statement. Perversely, if the child is progressing, that often works against you, statementing-wise
2. The statement would be a better guarantee of support for your dd's special needs than ad hoc funding. Plus it may get you at least some SALT
3. That should not be a factor in the decision. Which does not mean it is not a factor in the decision, which often appears to be completely arbitrary.

If you google IPSEA, they are very good with advice on statement application etc. Good luck!

I think you're right. However, we don't want local SLT as DD is following a specific type of therapy (which is working really well) and local SLT (when we did have it) was v. dismissive.

Am going to get everything together then find a good lawyer (we were just quoted £350+VAT for a review pre-appeal)

A statement is the only way to guarantee ongoing support for your child. Without it, the school can withdraw it at any time and/or public sector cuts within your LEA could mean that the rug is pulled from under your child at any moment, with no redress for you. A statement is legally binding - the support becomes a legal obligation for the LEA, and will follow your child wherever your DD goes.
In addition, a good statement will specify your child's needs in full and (crucially) specify and quantify the support your child should receive. A statutory assessment will also take into account your views, so you have a voice.

I think you should definitely appeal. See it as seeking a guarantee for the future.

I would certainly be appealing their crass decision not to assess (on what spurious grounds was the statement request refused?). Presumably as well you are currently funding the private SLT imput at great expense to yourselves.

A well worded statement is a legally binding document. Support should be both qualified and quantified as required by law.

I'd be finding a lawyer with both up to date and vast knowledge of educational law.

She did not meet the criteria for assessment ? that's all we've been told

Have you contacted the NDCS? We've had some trouble with dd3s school and got support from one of their regional officers and she was fantastic. I think they have a specialist team now that deal with this kind of thing.

good idea thks