Don't fancy the idea of another year... more struggles...

[genieinabottle]

seing all the photos of dc in their school uniform on their first day back to school plastered all over fb, is getting me on edge. I know sad and pathetic isn't it!

Where most parents of nt dc are cheerful about the new school year, i'm not.
DS (asd) is going to reception. And i hope it will not be a re-run of his last two years at ms nursery where he did nothing! where he learned next to nothing because they couldn't be bothered with him.

DS was attending a small language unit p/t last year and the progress he did make where down to their good work with him, the setting was just right for him there (shame his placement finished, and it's only for under 5s); but what i 'm getting at is i'm wondering whether we should have tried getting him a statement naming a special school or a language unit instead of sending him to ms like a 'lamb to the slaughterhouse' and

I know so many of us here are worrying about a new school year.
But i just can't bear to think about the disappointements, the 'arguments', the battles, the meetings , the useless IEPs,... that are now just round the corner.
(DS isn't yet statemented btw, only on action+. Sent letter for SA at the end of last term, was refused, left it to that.)

I think if he starts to struggle in reception year the school will initiate the statement.

They can apply for emergency funding for 1-1 if he's having problems initially.

Try not to think too far ahead. Impossible, I know

Just seen my ds(asd) off to the bus for his first day at 2ndry school, it was harder on his Dad than him!

Keep visiting the school, stay on good terms with them and never ever give up, but the first day back will be harder for you than him!

The local school came up trumps for us and in our case was better than a distant special unit.

Never give up, you know best, but worry helps no one

Oh I am with you , genie, feel v stressed by start of another school year - my boy is ASD and in mainstream, though also part time home ABA. I look at threads on the main board, like "Angst over packed lunches" and wonder what it must be like to be a "normal" mum, though I was just that for my NF daughter starting school. The worry is just immense!

Thanks. I'm having a bad time atm with the starting school looming ahead. Hopefully once he has started i'll be less worried and more up to the challenge facing us.
I'm a worry gut!

SOSCE, yep i rememenber when DS1 (17 y old and nt) started school, never had this horrible feeling about it... getting his school uniform together in time for school and what to put in his lunchbox was my main worry back then ...maybe i'm a bit of the nt mums!!

That is bad Star, some staff in pre-school are simply not interested in the children. The majority don't have teaching qualifications of any kind, i found the staff at DS's old ms nursery changed regularly, and there were a lot of young girls working there.

Hopefully school will be better.
Someone on here told me ages ago, that while DS was at the language unit he was getting the 'cadillac' ... and when he would enter ms reception it would feel like the old rusty ford cortina. I can imagine...

genie

I remember you from previously.

Would strongly urge you to write to the LEA again making the Statement application. Prempt these issues now by applying asap, don;t let the school do it either (because you can appeal if they say no. You have far more powers than school ever would in such a situation).

He does not also have to languish on SA plus for ages either before applying for a Statement (am writing that just in case school suggest that to you).

Do not let their initial refusal make you back down - actually this is what they are counting on. I got turned down twice, they did not reckon on us being persistant!.

You are your child's best - AND ONLY - advocate.

Thanks Attila.
Their decision was made on the grounds that DS has made progress within the last year on action +, and that school will be able to provide the support he needs without a statement.

Yes i agree DS has made progress, but none of it is due to whatever they did in the ms setting, 'coz they did next to nothing tbh, his progress are all due to the language unit he was attending p/t.

Hi genie,

I would still put in another request for your DS re a Statement to the LEA and if they turn you down again, appeal their crass decision. IPSEA have a good pack called "refusal to assess".

www.ipsea.org.uk

I have nothing to add, except that I agree with Attila. Hugs to you both x

When did you get the letter back refusing the SA genie? You could still be within the time limits for appeal (two months).

It must be. Received it only about 3 or 4 weeks ago if i recall rightly. Will go and check.