How to handle SENco?

[TheArsenicCupCake]

I'm not quite sure how to handle SENco... He is not following COP with regard to the IEP..

1. I've had to chase him up to get one written

2. I have already had a conversation with him about how he is not just going to write one and show me a student copy.

3. I have been told by him that I may make any ammendments needed to the teacher copy that I see fit... But after it has been written.. I bought up that he ought to be meeting with me and ds should also get input before it gets written... This was sort of brushed aside by him.

4. he does come across as the ' I know all' and ' in my own time' type.. However he has put in some support for ds that we asked for.. But not all..
   I have so far clarified everything to him in writing upuntil the whole IEP thing.
   And there is a sort of working relationship building.. Ie he says one thing.. I tell him and clarify what needs to be done.

Now I don't want to put his back up, as I actually need him to be reasonable .. As I am going to apply for an SA ..
So do I clarify in writing that I expect COP to be followed.. And what is the best way to put this seeing I don't want to put the guys back up anymore than I already have? Gahhhhh
seriously I do think he could become obstructive..but I want him to do his job.

I know I am in the minority here - but I believe the 'spirit' of the SEN provision is actually more important than what is put in writing.

So if you agree with him changes you would like after the IEP is written - it doesn't matter, as long as the changes are actually implemented.

We all know that having it in writing is no guarantee of it being done. So I would focus far more on building the relationship with the SENCO / teacher and trying to get them to see what needs to be done....

My IEP in my new school is just as rubbish as my IEP in my old school - but the SEN provision in my new school is outstanding. They are doing so much for both my children. They just didn't state it very clearly in their IEPs...

I really think 'clarifying in writing that the COP needs to be followed' will put his back up, and won't help you.

However, as always, it depends on the people. And only you know them...

Also see what the IEP is like first it might be OK?

Thanks .. I am in the ' have a relationship' camp, with a foot in the paper trail camp.

This worked with our old senco quite well .. But I'm just not sure about this senco iykwim.. I have already been advised by the EP that he does need a bit of shove..
I'm just not quite how hard to shove him.
IEPs are a bit pants anyway and ds has a lot of issues because of not only the asd but dyslexia as well.

i don't mind amending afterwards.. I just don't want it to come back and bite us in the bum.

And .. It may actually be okay :)

Give him a chance and see, then give him a push if he needs one after that?

Why don't you just follow up all meetings with an email confirming what was agreed?

I do follow up in writing anyway after all meetings ,.. I think the guy is just getting used to a parent doing this :)

I'm with indigo on this as well. you could have the SMARTest of all SMART IEPs, but it would be a waste of a tree if it isn't implemented.
All SENcos and Teachers work differently, find out what makes him tick - develop a good understanding. Keep focussed on the outcome that you want - the best education you can get - how you get there doesn't necessarily need to be by the book.
As an aside to the paperwork, I know someone that won a tribunal for a statement based on the fact that the paperwork had not been done by the guidelines and in a timely manner [hwink]

why not send him some suggestions for things that you think would be helpful on his IEP in a 'I thought this might be helpful as we haven't had a chance to discuss it' kind of way.He can't ignore you if it's on file, especially if you cc other professionals in.

Corny he is ignoring ds's toilet issue... ( just for starters).. We thought because it is in writing from him that this has been resolved.. But it hasn't ( basically he's been telling us things are done when nothing has changed..appointment have been booked when they haven't ... He can't get hold of other professionals for weeks ... When I ring and they ring me back within the day.. Etc etc)

The more I dig .. The more i find him lacking!

However..!! I will give him the benefit of the doubt with regard to the IEP

I hate training and breaking in a whole new SENco grrrrrrrr.

lol at breaking him in

I'm getting pictures of whips now - how long does it take to break in and train a SENco? [hgrin]

< dons high heel black leather boots and a car suit>

so far it's taken me half a term and it will take a bit longer with this one..grrrrrr

Cat not car .. Doh

I was thinking more of the SENco being in a gimp suit [hgrin]

Thank you for that image < bleaches backs of eyeballs> :o