What is the difference between inclusion and statementing?

[macwoozy]

Does anyone know the difference? I've just had an appt with my ds's EP, and she mentioned about an inclusion policy which benefits certain children rather than recieving a statement. She said that an inclusion policy could be put into place almost immediately so my ds would receive help rather than later, there will be meetings involving all the necessary people who are connected to my ds's schooling so as to make sure all his needs will be adhered to. She said with a statement the school wouldn't recieve any extra funding anyway because my ds already has a 1:1. I'm really confused now, I've got a headache with it all. This whole statement process was first spoken about back in July, and I don't feel much progress has been made at all.

The first thing that strikes me about a 'policy' is that it's just that, a policy. Statement is pretty much legally binding I think. People much more knowledgeable in this area will be about hopefully macwoozy.

Some interesting stuff on this thread

How are you BTW?

It sounds like a very much watered down version of a statement.

Is this inclusion policy specific to your LEA?. What would this exactly involve?. Many questions would need to be asked, would the school directly apply for this to the LEA for instance?.

TBH if the LEA are proposing this then they could be on shaky ground. I feel they are trying to put you off applying for a statement by telling you this.

A statement, if you get one, is a legally binding document outlinging your child's difficulties and how he will be helped (it also gives a set number of hours and how the support is given). It is reviewed yearly. This will give your child a set number of hours.

No statement to my mind equals no support especially if the child is struggling for whatever reasons.

The onus is on the parents to write to the LEA concerned with regards to the statement, all the legwork has to be done by you. It cannot be left to school (you as parents have the right to appeal the LEA's decision if they refuse to assess - school does not).

I would write to the LEA anyway and ask for your child to be assessed, IPSEA have model letters you can use.

I would talk to IPSEA (www.ipsea.org.uk) about this as a matter of urgency. I am certain they would be able to help you further.

Thanks Potty, I'll check that thread out.
Well apart from a blimen headache with all of this, I'm doing great, I'm alot happier now with my ICD. How's your dd? Still out running everyone?

Meerkatsunite, The school have already accumulated all the evidence,(my report included) for the LEA, it was the school that first decided he needed a statement. So I thought we were just waiting for the LEA to assess, (and even that seemed to be taking for ever) so I was taken aback when the EP started talking about possibility of inclusion policy instead. The SENCO agrees that a statement should be put in place, but TBH it's all confused me a bit. I've never even heard of this before, and I just want what's best for my ds. She did mention that if we were to move area then the inclusion policy wouldn't apply and we'd have to start all over again so I guess it would only be specific to our LEA, but she also said that that can apply to statementing when they reassess anyway. I suspected that it was a watered down version of a statement. Do you know if a statement could be turned down just by the views of the EP?

Unfortunately the onus is on you the parents to apply directly to the LEA re the statement. If you let the school do it they'll just sit on it and from the sounds of it they've come under pressure from the EP and the LEA to do something else (i.e sell the idea of the inclusion policy to parents in hopes they say yes and therefore forget idea of statement). Its cynical at the very least.

If this whole thing was first talked about in July then you should have heard something by now re whether the LEA will assess or otherwise. They should actually reply within six weeks.

I would go for the statement as it is legally binding and write to the LEA yourselves asking for your son to be assessed.

An inclusion policy like this, if specific to your LEA, is just another way for the LEA concerned not to grant a statement.

The person concerned is right re the inclusion policy re moving house - not all LEA's operate it (LEAs are not supposed to give this in place of a statement) so you would have to start again if you were to move to a town in another LEA area. However, a Statement can be amended to show a new school in another LEA. You would not need to apply for another statement in another LEA if you already had a statement.

Am also thinking that the EP is also under pressure from the LEA (such a person is employed by them) not to issue a statement.

Would certainly urge you to contact IPSEA re all this and have a look at their website. They have clout and can help you through the statementing process.

Would be interested to know which LEA this is.

Meerkats

Thanks Meerkats, you've been a great help. I didn't know that the EP is employed by the LEA, that doesn't sound promising. The LEA is Hampshire.