another 'should i asking for statement' thread

[jetcat]

sorry

I have just read a similar thread, where mum (so sorry, cant remember your name) is going into school for 15 hrs a week for son with sensory issues.

My 13 year old DD has official dx of processing disorder (visual and speech), dyspraxia and social and communication difficulties, which is awaiting further assessment for aspergers.

At school, she now has some support going into the more practical lessons (science, tech etc) and is allowed to go to the support base for lessons she finds impossible (eg drama). But, this support is all very informal - ie. head of year had a chat with senco to see what support they had available at the times needed, rather than what support DD actually needed. I know CAMHS have been in touch with school re the support, and school have mentioned that it is a funding issue, so i am guessing that without an offical statement, they dont have funding to provide a specific one to one.

School seem to be doing ok at the moment in providing support, but i am worried that if something else comes along, DDs support will be pulled and she will be back to square 1. To clarify, the support she has are general ta's, who go into her class and sit with her to try and keep her in the class, instead of panicking and using her time out pass.

Would there be any point in asking for a statement, would she meet the criteria, and would that actually change anything?

A statement is only issued when the school are unable to meet a child's needs within their own resources. Do you feel this is the case atm? Sometimes requesting a stat assessment can give the school etc a bit of a boot up the arse. You have to tread slightly carefully as if your request is turned down and you either don't appeal or do appeal and they uphold the decision, you can't apply again for another 6 months.

Only you can guage the situation - I would possibly be tempted for the further assessments to be done before requesting the stat assessmnet, as they could add weight to your request. (though if she isn't due to be seen for a year &/or things detoriate then I would go for it)

Good luck