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SN children

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

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Original poster

The waiting..panel meeting today

40 replies

starfish71 · 26/04/2012 15:32

I am going more around the twist than usual. My DS1 13 case goes to panel today. DS hasn't been in school since christmas, no home ed yet.

They are deciding whether he warrants a statement. He has probable AS but won't accept further assessments at presents but is under CAMHS, seeing a play therapist, under autism outreach team, virtually housebound and so anxious it is awful.

I have had an email telling me he is going to panel today BUT I may not know outcome till after the bank holiday!

Am going a bit unhinged waiting, they probably know by now what they are going to do with my son but I don't and may not know till after the bank holiday, I want to scream at someone. Never thought I would say this but getting statement and right provision for younger DS now seems a breeze. It wasn't am being flippant but this seems so much worse.

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2old2beamum · 01/05/2012 09:51

Have you sought legal advice? I am sure the LEA are acting illegally (I am sure others have said this)

pinkorkid · 01/05/2012 09:55

star No, that is deemed as parents have made suitable alternative arrangements.
Having said that, if your dc already has a statement, your arrangements would be subject to scrutiny for suitability in a way that wouldn't happen for a non-statemented child - where AFAIK you can refuse to be vetted/take advice from the LA.

pinkorkid · 01/05/2012 10:06

corny at your ds' tutor! Sending her some virtual unwanted ill-judged advice karma on your behalf.

As there are quite a few of us who are or have been in this "forced into home edding" boat I might start a support thread where we can share useful resources, links to articles or relevant legislation.

Robotcornysilk · 01/05/2012 10:11

I think that would be really useful. We were made to feel that ds1 was the only child ever to struggle to attend school by the LEA. I would have been a hell of a lot less stressed if I'd known then what I know now!

Original poster

starfish71 · 01/05/2012 11:13

Thank you for all the good advice, have scanned briefly and going to study it all later.

Have just rang LEA, my liaison officer is not in, the manager is not in today and they are short staffed but someone will ring me back later, lady I spoke to said she doubted if they had the decision yet.

I am feeling so cross, when DS1 went to panel on a Monday my liaison officer rang me the next morning at 8 30 to tell me he would be getting a statement!

Now I need to pull myself together and sort out this mess, they are not making it easy for me.

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Original poster

starfish71 · 01/05/2012 11:14

Meant DS2 , now thankfully in a great school.

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Robotcornysilk · 01/05/2012 11:22

there must be someone in FFS. What about the ed psych who wrote the report for the statement. Do you have his/her number?

Original poster

starfish71 · 01/05/2012 11:57

Thanks robot, hadn't thought of that. Have just rang and spoke to her, she SAYS that she doesn't have the results and kept saying it is not their information to give.

Said she would go into see the team and stress how anxious I am to know result.

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Original poster

starfish71 · 02/05/2012 17:54

Well have had an update on things today. Can't really believe what has happened but my suspicion that something was wrong was correct.

First of all I had a phone call from education this morning wanting to come and see me this afternoon to set up some home tutoring for DS1. I rang liaison officer and she still couldn't tell me what the panel decision was, I cried on the phone, pure frustration then cried in the support group I go too.

DS didn't come downstairs when home tutor was here but have set up a first session for next Tuesday. So at least that is progress. Must admit I had a small glass of wine after they left, not a habit but my god my stress levels have been so high today.

Then just now had a call from the LEA manager who told me that he was really sorry and it was his fault, was acting in all good faith etc but the case went to panel last Thursday without an EP being there,!

Now his manager has looked at all the paperwork and said that as DS is such a complex case an EP should have been there to input on outcome. AARGH!

It will now go to panel next Thursday and we should have a decision by 14th may.

This is unacceptable isn't it? And explains why suddenly we have home tutoring.

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pinkorkid · 02/05/2012 18:45

Starfish, you must be fuming. Talk about incompetent! You'd think they would at least have let you know straight away that they'd made a cock up rather than keep you worrying all this time.

Why did his manager not look at DS' paperwork in advance of the panel meeting? I'd like to know if this is their normal process for deciding whether an EP's presence is required.

I really sympathise with the waiting as we had two delays with ds' case going to panel - first due to snow which couldn't be helped, then the EP was on annual leave and hadn't written up her report. However when it finally did go to panel they told us the response the next day can you ask if they decide on the day and if so can they tell you verbally the result straight away?

Not surprised you need . (Sending some spiked with antifreeze dozy manager's way.)

Original poster

starfish71 · 02/05/2012 19:28

Thanks pink, will take the gratefully.

In a funny way now I know, at least for tonight, I feel a bit more relaxed, that could be the wine mind but it's the not knowing, am not stupid and could tell they were not being honest with me.

God he is a pain in the backside but he has to get it right this time doesnt he?

oh think it's time for another drink, DH is being great tonight and fielding the boys so hoping for an early night.

Didn't realise but DS2 has inset day tomorrow as school being used for voting so making the most of DH.

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coff33pot · 02/05/2012 23:11

Oh good grief! what a muppet......

Hope you have a nice fuzzy feeling by now with all that wine

All you can do really is wind down now and mark the 14th on calendar and try your hardest not to fret (says me lol)

I suppose at least he phoned and told you he cocked up instead of leaving you dangling not that it makes things any better.

Hope your DS first day with the Tutor goes well :)

Original poster

starfish71 · 03/05/2012 08:22

Thank you coff33pot, it did help me to unwind a bit! And it did make me feel better that he was so apologetic and a bit squirmy on phone!

DS was so anxious last night, couldn't sleep and was trying to eat the tv guide...

The tutor seems nice but boy I think it will be a challenge for everyone, one day at a time :)

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EllenJaneisnotmyname · 03/05/2012 08:29

Starfish, hope you cope with the inset today. Weather is crap so maybe a duvet and PJ day for you all?

Original poster

starfish71 · 03/05/2012 08:36

Hi ellen yes that is what i am planning! DS1 is currently asleep on the settee after a rough night, DS2 has got his transformers out so enjoying a quiet cuppa!

Weird but now I know what is happening I feel bit more able to cope, still tearful but my boy is starting to get some support :)

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