School not meeting ds's needs

[jjones]

ds3 started reception this month and within day it was clear to both me and the school that the asd base was not suitable and he needs ss.
I got in touch with the lea lady that wrote his statement who told me that the ed psyc must go in and reassess him. I spoke to teacher today who told me that it is going to be a while before the ed psyc can see him as the time she is allowed to spend at that school is fully allocated for this term. WTF can I do. DS is too severe for them, he has been removed from transport as escort cant cope. It is a nightmare, the school is on a main road with no parking so highly dangerous and he is only there for 2 hours as he can not go any longer because of his level of need

Have you thought about asking for an emergency review with the sen case worker? At least you could start the ball rolling by formally expressing that it's not working and they may have some authority to bring forward the ep assessment.

I have spoken to her, that is who I meant just couldn't think what she was called. She said that she can't do anything but wait till the ed psyc has seen him and assessed whether his learning difficulties are severe or not.
Thing is in the mean time ds can't join in with the rest of the class as he just can't cope with it.

hmm, tricky. I still think an emergency review would be good, that way it's all formal and down in writing. Ime, some sen case workers say one thing on an informal phonecall and something else when everyone is looking at them in a formal setting. It's not your ds fault the ep is booked up, it's up to the school to sort it out on some kind of emergency basis which this clearly is, does the school have an inclusion manager/officer? Leaving him for the term without any kind of plan just isn't on, getting everyone involved with your ds together could help with an interim plan until the ep has seen him.

I would write to the head of the council stating that there is an urgent need for this reassessment. I have done this before when I was getting little joy from SEN officer. If you are up for it I would also contact the councillor who is the portfolio holder for children and young people's services. Copy in the SEN officer or whoever you have already spoken to to make it clear that you are not satisfied with the response. The EP can undoubtedly squeeze in a visit if she is told she has to. It certainly speeded things up for us. It will obviously mark you out as a PITA, but as I already have this reputation it doesn't bother me too much.

I have just asked the teacher about asking for an emergency appointment with ed psych, she told me that it is the head of children's services who has put the cap on it so not much hope there. Also I have discovered that there are no places in any ss in the borough so even if he has the review he can't move till September 2011 at the earliest. I just feel it is so unfair on ds.

It's completely inappropriate to keep your son there for that long if the school isn't meeting his needs. You need to write and ask for an early review because the provision is no longer meeting his needs (see IPSEA site for a model letter).

Can you afford an independent EP to carry out an assessment and visit to the school? They can comment on whether it is meeting your child's needs and whether any other school would be more appropriate.

The issue with ss places is not your problem, if your child needs a place and there are no places in borough, if it's agreed ss is necessary then the LA would have to pay for a place out of borough or even independent. The LA usually manage to find a place in one of their own schools if they know you're looking out of borough.

Start calling the SN Schools regardless and try to arrange visits. You need to get your research done and know clearly which school you want and why it's the only suitable school.

If he is under 5 I think he might not legally have to be in school yet so you could consider pulling him out or going p/t if that might help?

Sorry, just reread in your OP that he's already p/t. You could pull him out altogether, but that would probably also make it harder to access the EP. The transport issue is something you need to get advice on. If the escort 'can't cope' then they should be providing an escort with appropriate training and/or suitable restraints for your child.

Sorry, just reread in your OP that he's already p/t. You could pull him out altogether, but that would probably also make it harder to access the EP. The transport issue is something you need to get advice on. If the escort 'can't cope' then they should be providing an escort with appropriate training and/or suitable restraints for your child.

DS is 4.3 but has been at an LA sn nursery for 2 years almost full time, wish I had left him there for another year now.
To be honest the whole thing is a joke. transport are supposed to be doing a risk assessment but when that will happen have no idea as the man is on leave, ds did have a harness on but the escort wasn't given any instructions as how to fit it and ds got out mid journey, he has a britax traveller in our car.
I will contact the local ss, there are only 2. I know there is an independent ss in our area but from all accounts it is rubbish and the next borough is also rubbish for sn altogether. I wouldn't have a clue how to access a private ep. I will have a look at IPSEA as well.

I have made an appointment at one of the local ss and from what was said it sounds quite positive.
Could anyone point me in the right direction for finding a private EP in Liverpool? If needed we could find the money to pay. I just want to get ds in the best place possible, it is not fair for him to have to spend his time in a quiet room while at school and I am sure it is not doing his social skills any good.

I went to one of our local ss this morning and when I saw some of the children there I knew that ds would fit right in and they do have a place in his year group, yippee. I spoke to the head and she said that based on what I have told her about ds's statement then he can have the EP assessment done there and he can move as soon as the case worker changes he name of the school on the statement which would take a week or 2. I am so happy, it is a lovely school with great facilities. She also said that the way the transport works there is much better so he should be able to go on the bus.

Very pleased for you.

wonderful news