If my son needs 1:1 for 15 hrs a week can I get him statemented?

[TinksandFloris]

Hi,

My son has just been diagnosed with sensory processing problems. The long and the short of it is that he has such trouble with his handwriting and attention skills that he is very behind where he could be at school.

We've just seen an occupational therapist who is going to put a sensory diet in place and we're paying for DS to have private OT sessions.

The bottom line is I am going in to school 5 mornings a week to give him the 1:1 he needs by way of being a scribe and helping him when he writes himself. The school say we'll never get a statement and they don't have the manpower to offer him the amount of help that I am currently giving.

He is a bright child but his SPD is holding him back.

Am I barking up the wrong tree by thinking he should be statemented if he requires such intense help at school?

Wow yes. You should apply for a statement. Good on you for going in yourself - sometimes I think that's the only way my girl will get the encouragement she needs, but don't think I'm ready to give up my life like that!! I did wonder out loud to the nursery if it was a good idea, but they were so shocked at the thought of me being in their sessions that they nearly fainted... why I wonder, have they something to hide?!!

Well that's what I thought. So many people seem to be telling me that he won't get a statement because he's a bright kid but he needs that much 1:1 to get him through the school day because of his SEN, I don't know how I'm going to cope if this is an ongoing thing. Especially as we live 15 miles from school and I have another child to think about.

Does anyone have any experience or advice they can offer? I feel like I'm trapped in a corner somewhat. I hadn't realised how much his SEN had been affecting him at school. He only got diagnosed (privately) about 10 weeks ago.

bump?

Do you have the series of Early Years booklets to help give advice and information for children who have hd a diagnosis?
There is a template of a letter in there for a parent to use when wanting to request statementing. Would you like me to type it out for you to copy? Im not sure if the same information is on the Early Years website under the link for the publications they produce

Yes please!

This is the page as it is written in the booklet:

'To request a statutory assessment, send a letter like the one below to your local authority:

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to ask you to assess the special eduational needs of my daughter/son (give your child's name and date of birth) under Section 323 of the Education Act 1996. I am making this request as it is my right under Section 329 of the Act.

I thin kmy child may need more help than the school/pre-school can provide. (If your child attends pre-school, or school and has been receiving help, say what this is and why you think this isnt enough).

I have written my views on my child's development in the enclosed report (Use the parent's checklist opposite to put together a short report about your child).

The following people are involved with my child and I would like you to get advice from them. If you decide not to seek advice, please let me know so that I can get advice and submit it myself. (List the people involved with your child).

I am also sending you copies of other reports which may help you make your decision. (Send copies of any reports you have from teachers, doctors etc).

Yours sincerely.

The Parents' Checklist as mentioned in the letter above:

Many parents find it helpful to think about the following areas and questions as they put together information about their child:

D.O.B and first months of life and any problems you noticed.

The help or adive that was given early on

Child's health- eating, sleeping, illness

Physical skills- walking, crawling, throwing, pointing, using toys

Communication- speech, sounds, hearing, gestures, eye contact

Personal skills- washing, using a spoon, cup etc

Behaviour- showing feelings such as affection, exuberance, aggression, frustration, anxiety

RElationships- behaviour with siblings, friends, adults

Social skills- sharing, playing alongside other children

Your child's views- if your child is very young or has very complex needs, you may need to show this by describing, for example, their moods and behaviour, how they play, their reactions to everyday routines, new experiences and when help is given

Any incident or experience that illustrates the nature of your childs difficulties particularly well

Whether your child's difficulties are getting worse.

I hope this helps you. Also check www.earlysupport.org.uk

Good luck!

you may also want to read the sen code of practice here and also IPSEA here has template letters and lots of info that you may need. Would also agree with apply for statement yourself.

We were fobbed off for years with the 'he's too bright for a statement' line. Frankly that's bollocks.

It's not (always) about how intelligent a child is or isn't, it's about their ability to learn for themselves and anything that hinders that is classed as a special educational need. SN and SEN are two different things and a child doesn't have to have SN to have a SEN.

Request the statement, although in our area the formal request need only state:

We are writing to request a Statutory Assessment under section 329 of the Eduation Act 1996 in respect of ds xxxx xxxx. DOB xx xx xx.

ds is currently attending xxxxx school and we feel he requires more help than they can provide.

Here, they will write to you for the full info - the forms don't leave much space to write, type / write it up separately and attach. Then add reports then. But imo, you can never put tmi (my ep is very aware of that now ) so maybe better add everything in the initial contact, you can always copy it for the next round of forms!

Come here for advice too, I did and everyone was great

Good Luck, be strong and don't be fobbed off! x