Just need to see this written down...

[baboos]

This morning, one of my twin sons (3.9) has been given a diagnosis of Autism...not unexpected, so why then do I feel like I've been hit by a tain.

He is currently on SA+ at pre-school (who have been fantastic) where he receives 1-2-1 support 75% of the time, is under the care of SALT, CAHMS, and the ECAP specialist teacher (same as Autism Outreach) who will suport him/us through his transistion into primary school. I have to admit that contray to some people's experiences, so far the support we have received has been excellent. I don't say that to gloat, it actually makes me very sad and angry that not eveyone receives the care our children deserve.

However, that said, my main priority is now his transistion into reception, in September 2012, and ensuring this level of support it continued. Problem I have is that we live in an Inclusive county, where there are an additional 3 levels of funding available for children with SN's, therefore has one of the lowest % of statments throughout the UK. I have been told he will receive the highest level of funding, therefor won't need a statment to get support (has been the case so far) but am I right in thinking this will offer little protection in light of inevitable cuts to SN provisions.

I really do trust the professionals that we are working with, but am I being incredibly niave...not a word that those who know me would associate with me.

Any views appreciated.

you could have a look at Co-occurrence of linguistic and behavioural difficulties in early childhood: a developmental psychopathology perspective and then have a look, say at My List of Autism ASD links to research the nature of his issues so that you can explain his needs with research backup in the years to come

Well, a lot of people here will disagree with me :)

But I think his needs are currently being met, and you expect them to continue to be met next year.

I therefore wouldn't worry about a statement - I'm sure you've got enough other things to worry about :)

I can totally understand why you are sceptical but as indigo says if his needs are being met it seems unnecessary to go through the hassle of getting a statement.

Is there a local SN support group for parents, if there is go, that is the best place to find out if local parents are happy with the way their children are being supported at school.

If the parents are not happy then you might want to reconsider the statement.

Just a thought..

I would push for the statement. Pre school services can be very different to those at school. Without a statement the school could drop support and there may be very little SALT.

A statement would set out the legal obligation of the LEA which I think is crucial in the current climate. Good Luck.

Sorry, I expect you have had better days

I have to say I agree with vjg. Provision at preschool/nursery has no bearing on what happens at school. For one thing it is much easier for a preschool to provide 1:1 support when they usually have a ratio of 4:1 in any case.

We got great support when ds was at (mainstream) nursery, pre-statement. He was on SA+, had 1:1 support most of the time, we had meetings with senco and Early years Support Officer to set IEPs every 6 weeks or so.

School is a totally different story. As soon as he started reception this September we haven't heard a peep from the EYSO, haven't had an IEP since he started, and they haven't even provided what's on his statement [which we're appealing in any case].

Not saying this will be the same for you of course, but thought it useful to share my experience.

A statement is the only thing that is legally binding. A school can remove any support from SA or SA+ at the drop of a hat if they choose.

With a statement you can also choose your school (within reason). Don't know what it's like where you are but here (London) it's a dog fight to get into a good state school.

Have you been to the school and discussed their sen policies and discussed your sons issues and the help that is expected?

Going to social groups is a great idea to find out what is happening locally.

And sorry you have had this news x

Thanks everyone...

Have been to local group, and the concensus was to wait and see how he fares in mainstream first, as we would need evidence he was failing, which for the record, seems to be a completely bonkers way to go about things to me, he's obviously failing, he wouldn't be on SA+, if he wasn't.

The ones I spoke to whose children have statements were in special school. I think I will go along to the next meet and get some more feedback, as there were only around 12 parents there. I was told though that my catchment area school has an excellent reputation for children with sn's. The school has an outstanding reputation that is backed up with ofsted reports.

Have been into the school, had a meeting with head and school senco and my sons potential teacher, I was very encouraged with their verbal commitment to support my son.

I just have this niggle that won't go away, and some of you have confirmed my fears, I just worry with deep cuts continuing, he will fall by the wayside, and we will be on the back foot.

In reality I keep going round in circles...probably need to just stepback and absorb todays news, then decide.

Nativity tomorrow...he is a shepherd, only asked me if he could take a sheep from the farm next to us, when asked why, he replied that they are not real sheep at pre-school. I know I will blub through the whole thing.

Thanks again guys, I guess there will always be something to fret over.

Bless him about the sheep baboos, that is really funny.

Was he disapointed when you said he couldn't take the real ones?

When you read through the ofsted report, did it mention inclusive practice or inclusion much?

Dd3's new school got outstanding and when I read the report it had loads about how good the inclusion is.

It is good that you had positive vibes from the staff, what kind of transition are they offering your Ds. If it seems like they are willing to go the extra mile to help him settle in then that is a good sign.

And you are right , there will always be something to fret over..

Baboos, I also think that you should go for a statement, it should legally secure you childs educational needs.

My ds 4.8 (ASD) started reception in a SS in September, it was one of the best decisions I have made for him he is coming on in leaps and bounds, he will likely be able to go into mainstream in some capacity at some point.
I was anxious that his first experiences of school were positive ones to hopefully allow him to enjoy school. His half brother (AS) had a terible time in school from the start and was expelled from several, I honestly believe that if he had bee in the right setting from the start it could have made all the difference.

My ds would have floundered in a MS setting but he's thriving where he is. :)