Proposed statement doesn't mention number of hours 1-1

[geeandfeesmum]

Hi,

I received my DD's proposed statement this week. There is no mention of a specific number of hours 1-1. It does mention 1 hour every 6-8 weeks of speech therapy and 15 minutes where the speech therapist discusses things with the teacher but no mention of specific 1-1 support at all .

She has complex needs and is autistic. As described by the EP her needs are "severe, complex and likely to be enduring".

It does mention that special school would likely be the best placement for her so I am wondering if that is why specific 1-1 support isn't really mentioned in terms of hours.

There is no way she would be able to cope in mainstream. It would be unlikely with 1-1 support but without it it is a no go completely.

Does any of this sound right or would you write back stating disagreements?

Also forgot to mention she currently receives 1-1 funding at her mainstream preschool and they make a LOT of allowances for her as well.

have the lea named a school on statement, if not contact lea and ask what school they are going to name,if any, i would also phone around ss in your area and visit them to see what they can offer, take proposed statement with you so they will have an idea if they can meet dd's needs.

Yes, you're right - if they're not specifying 1:1 support for her it's probably because they're recommending special school. But they need to clarify this - and certainly should be naming a school in part 4 - or at least asking you what you are thinking of re schools.

I would email your case officer to get them to clarify this in writing as a first step.

I just got a similar letter from the educational psychologist, the whole letter is geared towards a special schooling placement and doesn't mention 1:1 hours at all.
So that's probably why, as these schools have that kind of staffing anyway.

But call the person who wrote the advice to make sure?

Don't assume that it has no hours because LA may be considering special school - you must chcek this with the LA.

They are callous enoough to try to place a child with complex needs in mainstream without 1:1 - you don't want tha happening to you