Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Flip

Original poster

Freaking out about EP letter from school

10 replies

Blossomhill · 25/01/2006 19:56

Dd came home with a letter in her bag and it basically was asking for my permission for the EP to come in and observe dd.
I don't know why but I am really nervous. I keep thinking what if they are looking at moving dd from the school?
It basically said that the school policy was for the EP to be involved with as many language base children as possible and that they were going to observe dd in a ms lesson and advise on strategies to help dd.
Dd hasn;t seen an EP for about 3 years so maybe it's just that she needs to see one again.
Don't know why I feel so unsettled tbh but I do!

OP posts:

macwoozy · 26/01/2006 08:55

I always feel nervous when anyone comes to watch over ds in school, and especially so if I don't recieve any feedback from it.

I know you mentioned before that she spends a bit of the school day in mainstream class, is it possible that they might be considering moving her from the unit into ms fulltime due to her progress, or is she far from ready?

trix1 · 26/01/2006 09:26

What is an EP?

Littlefish · 26/01/2006 09:30

Educational Psychologist

maddiemostmerry · 26/01/2006 09:37

Could it be because she is in year 2? We had one just before xmas.

Davros · 28/01/2006 16:50

It would be VERY hard for them to move her as they have to prove that where she is NOW doesn't meet her needs and that somewhere else would meet them better..... my LEA tends to see those of us who have been through the process and have no intention of moving as a lost cause but they must and do still visit and assess each child once a year. I'm sure you've got nothing to worry about but I don't blame you, you can't trust them......

mamadadawahwah · 28/01/2006 22:01

You dont have to agree! And if you do agree, you can ask to be there when she "sees" your child.

getbakainyourjimjams · 28/01/2006 22:03

When ds1 was in ms he had EP visits all the time. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Original poster

Blossomhill · 29/01/2006 22:22

mmddww - the thing is if I am there they won't be able to see dd in a natural setting iykwim

I know I am being silly as out of the 9 unit children in her year she does the most ms.

It's just these kind of things really worry me. We also have the Camhs visit that week as well. We haven't really seen anyone like this for about 3 years and it always unnerves me.

Another thing that has annoyed me is that I think it's another get out clause for giving dd the support she needs in ms. they obv. have staffing issues and are using the EP to help with strategies, wheras I know she just needs more support. Oh I don't know, I just feel anxious about it all. I spoke to the school and they said as she hadn't been seen for 3 years it was about time.
How often do children get seen by EP's. I thought they were only seen around statementing?

OP posts:

maddiemostmerry · 31/01/2006 19:24

BH I am in almost identical position. I saw ds in an unsupported m/s lesson and it wasn't going well. I wrote in contact book to unit teacher and she said to me "I don't know what to say"

It is horrible to know your child is not having support when they need it. By the way our EP was pretty much the proverbial chocolate teapot, lots of crappy "He could hold up a red card to leave class when stressed" Well that will help his education and integration won't it.

Hope cahms appointment goes well.

EP's seem to see kids round here at Key Stage chnages.

Original poster

Blossomhill · 31/01/2006 21:24

Maddiemo - I think what annoys me the most is that the school basically uses the excuse because dd is academically well above average and tbh does thrive in that particular literacy group. I have never ever said she has learning difficulties (she could have if not taught in the right way iykwim) but that still doesn't mean she shouldn't get the right help/support in ms as she does have (IMO) quite significant needs with her communication. I feel the children with more learning but possibly less challenging behaviour seem to get far more support and as the unit themselves said dd is 1 of 8 in the year group from the unit and therefore should get 1 8th of the support.

I have spoken to the head of unit and she said basically it was a good thing as the EP usually is so tied up with the year 5's and this year the yr 5's are pretty straight forward so has some time freed up to see dd and it is a positive thing, not a negative. She also said that ultimately what we are aiming for is as much ms as possible and if the EP can help give strategies for dd and the teacher then why not. Apparently the EP is seeing a couple of others in the year.

I really cannot wait to go to CAMHS tbh. This week dd has been ill and so much calmer and her communication is so much better because she is concentrating enough to think. I do obviously worry as well as I always feel like these pros have the answers to things and it kind of makes me apprehensive if you know what I mean.

I cannot believe what your EP said if only it was that easy

I will keep you updated!

OP posts:

Flip