More statement advice please???

[mumgoingcrazy]

Thanks to you ladies we have a very good, tight statement but there is now one tiny detail that the LA are quibbling over.

I've requested that DD2's TA is "trained and experienced". They will only write trained in the statement because they cannot agree to 'experienced' as if a new TA had to be employed to support DD2 it may not be possible to recruit somebody already with experience, which could then leave DD2 without 1:1 support. However, the school can ensure that training is given to any newly recruited TA (with good liaison and guidance from the Speech and Language Therapist).

Can I ask...................what do you think?? TIA

If they absolutely will not budge, you could ask for it to say "appropriately and adequately trained". That way even if they get someone inexperienced, they are obliged to provide appropriate training. Imho that is more important than experience (certainly in my ds's case).

And you could also ask for clarification on the training that is specified - eg who is providing the training? What will the training consist of? If you can get the 'appropriate' bit in the statement, that will ensure that the training isn't eg a one-day course in something not even relevant to your dd. (eg training in PECS might be appropriate for some children, but not for my ds, etc).

It is tricky. With my TA hat on, if no-one experienced actually applies for the role, you would be in a pickle. It is better, sometimes, to have someone in the role who suits your DC and is willing to learn rather than someone who already has lots of training and experience but maybe preconceived ideas how to support your DC. So long as they provide appropriate training as a matter of urgency, I think that may be sufficient. Can you argue for a trial period to ensure there is no clash of personalities / styles?

Thank you. I've fired off my email asking for this so I'll see what they say. I have a feeling this bit might have to wait until after DD2's next annual review (Nov) as the final statement is in the post already

Thanks aga

Thanks again for the great advice (my last post was meant to say)

You need to be clear as to what "trained" is. Try this "Freddie will be supported 1:1 for x hours a week by a TA who has received x hours of formal training by the LA xx team to suport his needs. In the event of a new TA being appointed that individual will have received that training within 6 weeks of appointment."

Thank you Nigel1. I actually received the final statement today but DD2's annual review is soon so the statement writer said she would make more amendments then.

How realistic is it that the LA will be this specific, I can't see them agreeing to it. Do you have this in your statement?

It is a legal requirement. The case law is very clear. You may get fobbed off by the LA just smile and say that is what I want, that is what the law sayes. It is irrelevant what your policy says, Tribunal is not bound by your policy. So give me what the law requires. If you are not prepaired to give it then I will see you in tribunal. See the IPSEA fact sheet for further info.

It doesn't cost anything to go to tribunal....

Thank you all.

I have the final statement now, and DD2's annual review is Nov 2nd. So what is my next plan of action to get this bit amended?

I'm not totally sure of this, but once you have an AR, does this mean the LA have to amend the statement without an appeal?

No the LA can refuse to make amendments they don't have to amend.