Initial response from LA to my comments on proposed statement.....

7 replies

StarlightMcKenzie · 18/05/2011 09:24

It's not balanced apparently. I can't just have the things he can't do in it.

Erm, - well it is a statement of special educational NEED, not STRENGTHS, so I say there is no point in putting in what he can do.

Any other perspectives from you lot wot I trust more?

OP posts:

pinkorkid · 18/05/2011 09:40

One way round this might be to list the things he can do with appropriate support or given x conditions
eg "he attends his local beavers group with parental support"
"he is most at ease socially in a 1 to 1 situation"
"he can dress and undress independently given visual prompts and cues from an adult"
So think positive but qualified.

Original poster

StarlightMcKenzie · 18/05/2011 09:51

Oh yeah. That's great. So, his comprehension is now average when tested in an environment with no distractions on a 1:1 basis.

okeydokey, - thanks!

OP posts:

blueShark · 18/05/2011 10:14

I have just scanned through DS's statement and its mostly worded the way pinkorkid suggested above eg 'he does attend better in small group', 'he does communicate and request better in a less stumilated environment' etc. I am happy to send you it if you like

Original poster

StarlightMcKenzie · 18/05/2011 10:17

Thank you blueshark. I think it might be too late now but if we start the crazy back and forth thing I might take you up later if that is okay!?

OP posts:

blueShark · 18/05/2011 10:22

no worries, hope you dont reach that stage but from your posts I gather your LA is not the best one to deal with SEN

Original poster

StarlightMcKenzie · 18/05/2011 10:26

nope

OP posts:

Lynn6697 · 23/05/2011 16:35

Hi there
Just joined Mums net so I'm coming into this conversation late. I had a hand in drafting the latest revisions to my son's statement as I felt it was too focused on the negative and I wanted to balance it by conveying areas of strength (construction play, skiing, imagination - loves to tell and hear stories, very loyal and truthful). We have started checking out independent special schools for dyslexia and the first thing they ask to see is the statement. Many of the schools, like it or not, want to take on SEN pupils who have some strengths, in whatever area. So I thought we needed to balance out my son's statement to give him a better chance of being seen by these schools.
Lynn6697

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