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

Big disappointment

6 replies

SauvignonBlanche · 27/02/2012 19:22

DS, who has AS, is in Yr10 and I'd due to do work experience this year.
We had made one local enquiry, who had 'lots' of places but he received a letter saying they were full after we sent them the paperwork, including his health form which stated that he had AS.

DS then came home all excited about a residential summer school affiliated with NASA which was running the same week and would count as work experience!
It looked amazing but cost £500, I couldn't normally have afforded it but came into some money from an inheritance, I knew my DM would have approved so said yes.

We sent in an expression of interest, then several weeks later were invited to an information evening. DS and DH came home buzzing with excitement and we filled in paperwork confirming our consent and willingness to pay.

We've just had a call from the SENCO saying that the science teachers do not think it's appropriate for DS due to the lack of adult support (it's run by an outside company).

Why couldn't they have told us this earlier? I've just had the worst conversation ever having to explain to DS that he won't be going. Sad

He's been very Aspie recently and has has had some behaviour and anger issues so I can see their point. It's still hard though.

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AprilSkies · 27/02/2012 19:25

Can't a one to one go with him?

Lougle · 27/02/2012 19:45

Does your DS get DLA at all?

I don't know how it works in your county, but in Hampshire we have the 'gateway card' and that allows children with disabilities to access the support that makes an event possible.

Parents still pay the cost of the activity, but they then give their gateway number for the organisation to access the money they need to provide the additional support required.

For example, if a club is £5 per session and 2 hours long, but the child needs a 1:1 supporter, the organisation could use the gateway number to get the £14 it needs to hire a 1:1 for 2 hours, or whatever.

SauvignonBlanche · 27/02/2012 19:47

I'll ask the SENCO tomorrow but I doubt it, it's a week and 300 mils away.
All the conversations so far have been with DH, as he works from home.

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SauvignonBlanche · 27/02/2012 19:48

No Lougle he doesn't get DLA.

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bochead · 27/02/2012 19:48

Could connexions help at all? The no extra adult support line could be applied to all number of work experience placement opportunities. I don't think its a situation unique to this one. Call connexions - transition (and wp is a part of that!) is their job.

SauvignonBlanche · 28/02/2012 18:42

Tried phoning the SENCO today but she's not in on a Tuesday.
Must keep calm and try again tomorrow.

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