refused help in exam

[reahead]

In the past you parents have been a voice of reason and helped me understand certain ways of policys regarding school decisions and hope you can do the same today.

Today My SEN child with literacey difficulties (statement) has been given a booklett to read, answer questions and complete as part of year 5 exams.

He was unable to read the book and told he could not be given any help as it had to be independant. Teacher kept giving prompts like come on you,v not answered any questions yet. Child describes it as a nightmare and didnt answer any questions.

I am livid and failing to understand why questions could not be read to him and verbal answers given to complete questions??

If it was a science paper or a maths paper, then he could have had a reader if his needs meant that he couldn't show his true ability in those subjects without one.
However, if it was a reading paper, then that is what is being assessed and so he couldn't have a reader. All Y5 tests are optional, so you could go in and ask the teacher if he is going to be assessed using other, more SN friendly methods.

thank you, this makes more sense. Wonder now why he had to sit through it when more friendly methods of assesment are available.

To be fair to him could'nt he have been given one for children on lower levels?
I am sure that in the school where I worked the older children who had no chance of reading the yr 5 paper were given the year 2/3 paper.

It is totally unreasonable of them to expect him to just get on with it. Especially if he has a statement.

Soul destrying for him poor lad. They just don't think sometimes do they.

Thank you your comments are supportive, although sadly I think it was possibly a paper for younger children (have twins and they had different papers). Seriously thinking about a special school for senior years although I am told even with a statement I will have to battle for a place:(

Assuming it was a reading test, what is really worrying is that they didn't know he wouldn't be able to read it. :(

I agree, There is another battle that teachers think he can do and won't do but I have very good support from EP who troubleshoots and is a good advocate. Unnfortunatly what I say childs abilities are is ignored but everyone sits and listens (so I thought) when EP echoes my concerns and assesments verify my concerns. I should add in support of teachers that child comes across very bright and uses a wide range of vocabulary which is why they think he has the ability but think he is stubborn and refuses to learn.

I have decided to ask for a photocopy of his exam work and his answers and this should help demonstrate need for special school.

thank you all for comments

Reahead - The easiest reading test is a level 2. Assuming they gave him that and it was too hard for him, then he is probably only working at a level 1.

A level 1 is the expected level for a Y1 child :( By the end of Y5 he should be working at least at a level 3a.

I think you should ask for his levels, in reading, writing and maths, for the end of Y2, Y3, Y4 and Y5. This should give you plenty of evidence that he is not making adequate progress.

In the SEN-COP it talks about adequate prgress. Basically not making adequate progress is the trigger to go to the 'next level'. And in your case, I guess, if he already has a statement, than the 'next level' would be a special school.....