Does a SALT proposal at a statement review mean anything??

[Eveiebaby]

At DD's statement review at the end of last year the SLT suggested five SLT contacts during the next term for DD instead of the two contacts which were outlined on the original statement. As it has turned out DD has had NO contact from SLT this half term. I am very very unhappy about this and in the process of complaining. However, I am not sure if the SLT recommendations have any impact - in other words do I expect what the original statment stated or should the SLT's suggestion of extra sessions be legally binding.

Thanks so much if anyone can help.

The SLT provision that was written in the original Statement must be delivered. If your DD is not getting that SLT support then the Local Authority are breaking the law.

You need to write to school and copy to the LA reminding them that delivering the provision described in Part 3 of a Statement is stutorily binding. Write - don't phone.

The suggestion that the SLT made at the review to increase SLT provision can be accepted or rejected by the LA. It sounds as though yours has rejected the idea.

That's Ok - but should their failure to act on the advice of an SLT and increase provision result in damage to your child then they could be held negligent.

I would write to the LA asking them to amend the Statement to incraese SLT provision to that suggested by the SLT at the Annual review. A letter must be responded to and you need to keepan evidence trail here.

see Common Problem number 7 from IPSEA website here www.ipsea.org.uk/What-you-need-to-know/Common-problems.aspx

Thank you WetAugust - I have seen the draft letter on the IPSEA website which I will be using. I think the problem is that DD's SLT has actually left the post and a replacement has not been recruited but that it not our problem and I do not see why DD should be at a disadvantage due to inadequate staffing levels. Thanks for your suggestion to write to LA asking them to amend statement it had not occurred to me to do that.
I feel fed up nothing is ever straight forward.

You have to keep at them unfortunately - constantly.

They are saving money so will be in no rush to ensure you get SLT unless you remind them - in writing.

The unavailiabity of an SLT is their concern - they are legally obliged to deliver the support written in a Statement.

But oh how they try to dodge that responsibility.

Yes - I think I will suggest that I am happy to provide a private SALT and invoice them with the bill