Salt? Need help urgently re specialisr Langugage unit,service being pulled. Legal advice?

[feynman]

Hi folks,

I wonder if anyone can help. Basically in my authority there is no specialist language unit, so all referrals go to a neighbouring authority. My son was referred about 6 weeks ago. Today I have found out that he will not be assessed to see its suitable for him, as our authority has decided that we no longer need this service (read- will not pay for it).

Any child who was offered an appointment will still be seen, but any whose referrals had been received, but who had not been offered an appointment for assessment, have been pulled from the list.

Apparently our authority has decided that service is not needed, this is despite the unit being unable to accept all children that are referred as it has so many referals. I should say this service has been pulled without any other provision being agreed/put in place, within our authority.

I am waiting for the person who has made this decision to get back to me, but intend to fight on every level that I can, both for my son and any others that this affects. So if any one has any advice about where to go from here, I'd be grateful to hear from you.

Thanks

Sounds shite. No advice, bumping for you.

You may be able challenge it on various grounds. See this barristers note. There is a list of solicitors at the end. I know this barrister has done cases with Irwin Mitchell re cuts to social care. You need ideally to find someone who is affected who is eligible for legal aid and who can bring a judicial review. You should also contact local charities / support groups who may have children who are affected. Plus complain to your MP. Most solicitors will give initial advice for free eg a free first tel interview.

Phone the unit and tell them that you want an independent assessment and are self-referring. Alternatively find an independent one with sky high fees and ask them to assess. Both/either should give you the evidence to change your LA's mind.

try ican they cna help with costs of doing assement and their reports have LEA quaking in their boots

Hi folks, sorry I've been a while replying, I've had a lack of internet connection. Anyway, after some verbal arguments, my son is now back on the list. However, they still intend to withdraw the service, so nowone else can be refered there.