Does my DS have special needs?

[bettiboo]

I'm at a loss. My DS was on report for the whole of year 3. I thought we would have a fresh start in year 4 but a few weeks in, we're now on a 'communication book'. I'm finding it really difficult to get my head round what's going on. Here's examples from the 'communication book'. "A little cheeky and disruptive this afternoon. Needed constant reminders and attention in order to keep on track. A shame as I was hoping to see some evidence of effort today". And.. "sat with head on floor and bottom in air several times and had to be reminded how to sit on a number of occasions challenged him to work on Green table - settled well and produced good ideas". It doesn't really get any more exciting than that! DS been threatened with exclusion and waiting for ed psych referral. I have very little problems with DS at home. No other parent or activity has presented me with problems. Just school. I'm thinking about going private for assessment. It all feels a bit bizarre but clearly there are issues at school and I really really want things to improve so that DS can look back on his school years with some happiness.

I don't know whether he has special needs (SN) but it definately sounds like he has special educational needs (SEN) - which basically just means he needs extra help at school.

You don't need a dx of anything to be on the SEN register - and you should ask if he is already on it.

If all the beahvioural techniques work with everyone else in the classroom, but not for him - then he has SEN.

If school has a problem with his behaviour it is up to them to deal with it. If they can't then they need to get help from other services (for example Ed Psych, Behavioural Support Therapist, Occupational Therapist....)

Hi Indigo. I've requested ed psych, but dep head says they have to prioritise. I get the feeling my DS isn't a priority. I'm so pleased that today he got a good report in his communication book - not one negative comment - this is a rarity, long may it last! I thought I might go private to try and speed up the process. My DS is in year 4 and I don't want his entire experience of school to be negative. I'm not sure if going private will have any affect on the school management of DS behaviour though. Not sure what to do. I'm really fed up with it all to be honest, especially since I have trouble with my little man at home.

Yes, it's very hard to make the top of the list to see the EP at school. I think at this stage going private is a good idea.

By the time he'll be a priority to see the EP - it'll be because his behaviour is extremely out of control and school can't handle him at all any more :(

However, the school is under no obligation to do anything about a private EP report. I've heard that the LEA does have a list of approved Ed Psychs who the school are meant to listen to? Maybe ring them up and try and get a recomendation from them?

I've been trying regularly to get through to the LEA but it's constantly engaged. I may need to call in and speak with them.

Yet another day of good behaviour at school - hooray! Maybe this is shift to good times!!! Here's hoping...