If the inclusion teacher says we may not need a statement is it best to apply myself?

[used2bthin]

After an ican assessment which says dd desperately needs a statement (and language unit but we don't have one in our LEA) and that her expressive language is 1.10years-she is 4.3, the inclusion teacher had sort of agreed about applying for a stat assessment but been a bit unwilling I think.

Now she has found an intensive programme that will come to school when she starts but is now saying she may not need a statement as the programme should meet her needs. After ican, I disagree as can't see how she will learn much in mainstream as her needs are so different, her whole way of learning and she needs makaton etc etc.

So is it best to try again to ask her to apply for one? She has arranged an ed psych to visit playgroup soon so maybe she will apply? It all seems like wasting precious time though she starts school in september and is no way going to cope if for any reason tghere wasnt support.

If she starts in september and you're thinking of the possibility of an out of borough placement I'd start now. Do it yourself then you know it's been done and what all the deadlines are. Ipsea have a model letter you can use. After all, it'll be saving her a job

Definitely apply youself - now. Until you do your DD's future hangs on a promise that may not meet her needs or may fail to materialise at all.

A Statement would identify the suport she requires and ensure it's delivered.

Apply yourself. That way you are more in control of the timing.
Wet August is right. Realistically if your DD starts in September, they are unlikely to start any programme until October - or later - as they will class that as getting to know them and settling in time. This is being optimistic that they start this programme ASAP. Then how many months do they need to give this programme to see if it makes a difference?
If it doesn't work out, and then they/or you apply - that would then be at least into year 1.
The earlier appropriate support is put in practise, the better the outcomes.

Same thoughts as previous posters here. Schools often seems to find it easy to promise great things for when your child starts but the reality is usually very different.

My only concern is that if the school is asked to contribute to the assessment and says they can meet her needs bang goes the statement. You need to get every professional you can in board and being very clear about all the support she would need on top of this particular programme. Would she cope without full time one to one for example? I she needs it and this programme doesn't offer it her need won't be met from the school's resources.

HTH

used2

Such programmes can be short term and may not actually come to fruition. You need to think longer term as well now.

Can only echo what the others have suggested i.e apply for the statement personally now to the LEA. IPSEA's template letter on their website is good www.ipsea.org.uk

Agree with above. My sons preschool head told me there was 'no way' we'd ever get a statutory assessment never mind a statement' and that they couldn't support such an application as they didn't think my sons needs were 'that bad'. He got his draft statement just before Christmas! Don't rely on school apply yourself now.

Definitely - do it yourself. As an SEN teacher, whose daughter was disabled after a major stroke, even I had difficulty with the statementing procedure and had to go through it twice. My daughter was in a wheelchair, the stroke had destroyed half her brain and they thought she might miraculously get better!
Act now and get every health provider you can think of to provide a supporting statement.

Giggleswick that is awful, as if you needed more stress. Thanks to all of you, I think I will ring the inclusion teacher tomorrow and say I want to apply for a staT ASSESSMENT (again) and if she is still stalling I will do it myself. Its all made a bit awkward by the fact I work for the same LEA (well kind of) so am in contact with some of the people including her at work too. She is really nice and helpful and professional so I know she won'tdo anything wrong but uncomfortable all the same.

Needs must though I know and time is ticking.
With the stat assessment I hope they may take ican's word for it but am told it is unlikely imn my county.
And then there is the awkward fact that there is no language unit!