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SN children

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

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Original poster

Appeal Against LA's Refusal To Assess Sent Off - I Want To Cry

11 replies

steelev48 · 05/04/2012 13:49

I sent off the Tribunal form yesterday. That and the 'evidence' weighed 1.2kg!!

But instead of feeling good that I have taken action and am moving a step closer (hopefully) to getting my son the help that he needs and deserves, when I got home I wanted to burst into tears.

I'm guessing it's because I've had to spend another three weeks thinking about how difficult everything is for my son, about all of the help that he needs but is not getting, wondering if I've done a good enough job on the 'reasons for appeal' and dreading going to a hearing.

How have you all felt when you've sent off your appeals?

OP posts:

mummytofive · 05/04/2012 14:39

I havent really got any advice to give but am really pleased you have appealed, I have been hopeing you have. it is so confusing, and at the moment there seems alot of people are being refused. but as so many people say, this is just a delay tactic on their behalf and they are hopeing people just go away, you know you are doing the right thing. keep fighting. x

Ben10NeverAgain · 05/04/2012 14:56

Well done for fighting for your child. I'm not thereyet but hope I can be strong enough to go through it if I have to.

for you.

beautifulgirls · 05/04/2012 15:22

I felt quite stressed about it too so you are not alone. Give yourself some time now and realise that you have done the hard work bit for this stage, take a break and have a bit of time for you and him to enjoy life and refresh so you are ready to face any future challenges. FWIW our LA declined to assess, then backed down pretty quickly after I lodged an appeal, they then issued a Note In Lieu after delay tactics following the assesment so I appealed that and again they backed down and have agreed to issue a statement. Now waiting on the provisional document to arrive so we are nearly there. It has taken us a year to reach this point so far Our final fight will be the content no doubt....

StarlightMcEggsie · 05/04/2012 15:43

Steel, I know it is horrid and emotionally draining but by making your case for appeal you are making a case for your child in general.

As miserable as it is I bet you now know more about what his difficulties are and what some of the answers might be. Whatever the outcome, you knowing these things will mean you are ble to make a difference yourself if/when you are ever let down.

Even if your submission isn't perfect, the process is so damn long and beaurocratic that believe me there are opportunities to refine as you learn etc.

Original poster

steelev48 · 05/04/2012 19:20

Thanks for the words of support, they really have helped. I know I've done the right thing but was feeling really down.

I'm going to try to forget about it for a couple of weeks now and enjoy the rest of the Easter hols with my boys.

OP posts:

notparanoidiftheyreouttogetyou · 05/04/2012 20:28

I posted my 4th tribunal pack today. 4th in 7 years and have never yet got as far as Tribunal itself. It's a filter, in many cases, sadly.

Original poster

steelev48 · 06/04/2012 08:48

4th?!!! I bet you're an expert at this now.

I hope the LA back down for us too. I have a meeting with them in a few weeks' time. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say. So many people say that they backed down a day or two before the hearing date. Why put parents and families through so much unnecessary stress (and expense)? I'd be ashamed of myself if I was doing that job.

Parent Partnership said that the panel has been made smaller to save money so there are no school staff on the panels and there is no discussion when the panel meets. Someone reads out a list of children, the decision for each child and the reasons. Sounds like a complete farce.

OP posts:

Original poster

steelev48 · 22/05/2012 14:45

The SEN panel are reviewing our case again today. I am finding it hard to think about anything else. If they agree to assess today then it will save us 5 months as our hearing date isn't until October. I'm hoping that the sun finally coming out is a good omen!

OP posts:

starfish71 · 22/05/2012 15:03

Good luck steelev48, really hope they agree to assess today.

It is horrible waiting...:(

mariasalome · 22/05/2012 17:09

Fingers crossed for you

nickminiink · 22/05/2012 17:10

we were refused SA and then appealed and before the tribunal approx 2 months before the date they backed down, had the SA and statement refused, NIL issued and back to square one, so we are appealing the NIL and the tribunal is coming up 15th June. Just seems like ground hog day in the life of SEN and the LEA, we started our crusade approx 16 months ago to get to this point. I agree the unnecessary stress is awful, I am hoping the LEA back down but at the moment they are sticking to their guns.
Good luck steelev48.

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