Can you help me write an email to LEA, still no result from panel yet

[starfish71]

Been waiting over a month now for DS's case to go to panel to decide if they are going to issue a statement.

There has been loads of delays, firstly case manager took it to panel and a decision made, however his boss said it was not correct procedure as there was no EP on panel that day..

Secondly, the following week a panel member was off sick, fair enough these things do happen, though a bit frustrating..

Then finally last Thursday had an email that it was definitely going to panel that day and they would let me know Friday or this Monday. Surprise, surprise I have heard nothing!

I sent a brief email yesterday afternoon to the case officer but no reply and nothing today.

I am fuming, anxious, upset and have sent DH off to get wine!

Feel am being totally messed about and have had enough.

Want to send an email so they receive it first thing.

Any suggestions please?

I thought they had 10 weeks to decide?

ie 6 weeks to agree/not agree to SA. Once SA is agreed 10 weeks to decide whether to issue a statement or not.

They agreed to assess on 13th feb. so it has been well over 10 weeks now :(

Oh ok, the ive been waiting a month threw me.

Write to the named officer, remind them of their duty to follow timescales and add;-

As you are the named Officer with legal responsibility for the actual Decision, I expect you to make the Decision without further unnecessary delay.

Yours sincerely

All this panel stuff is rubbish, she/he can decide there and then.

Thanks claw, sorry wasn't clear in my first post.

Will get typing, thanks

You could mention that you will complain to the local government obudsman, mp etc.

You could also mention the secretary of state. I think the education act 1996 complaints under Sections 496 (unreasonably) and 497 (unlawfully) might be worth a read.

www.ipsea.org.uk/What-you-need-to-know/How-to-complain.aspx#state

IPSEA explain who you can complain to and what for, much better than me

Sorry should have added who you can threaten to complain to, im sure you have enough on your plate without having to actually complain.

Make your email sound as if you know exactly what your rights are and who you will complain to, should kick their arses into gear.

Thank you claw, email done and sent. really appreciate the advice :)

Hi hothead, every time I ring they tell me that either no one has the sheet with the results yet or that the person I need to speak to who MAY have the result is not available at the moment. It has been so frustrating. DS hasn't been in school since dec and has only just started home tutoring so it is crucial they pull their figure out so I can battle on to the next fight...

I used to enjoy using the words 'prevarication' and obsfucation in my emails to LA.

I think it's called ranting politely

I like it! Have to admit wet, had to look up obsfucation! but it sums up the LEA!

My solicitor taught me that word . Procrastination was another fav.

Spelt it wrong though

Noting down the words...

Will have to practice using them, am sure I will have lots of opportunities! As will most of us...

Bit of an update, haven't been able to get on asDS2 is poorly, got a temp so not coping in this heat at all!

My case worker rang me yesterday morning , I had copied her into email I sent to the named officer, who told me he was on leave until Monday. She told me they hadn't had the decision back yet and it would have to checked over by another Officer before passing it on to her. This officer only works 2 days a week, Monday and Tuesday!

My case officer is a genuine lovely woman and has seen me through DS2 statement process and knows I am fuming and very anxious but tells me she doesn't know anything...

I now have another weekend of worrying and I am really not impressed.

Do all LEA's behave in this way? :(

Sorry starfish that they are still messing you around. You must be so frustrated. Really hope you hear finally on Monday - and that it is the answer you need.

Thank you pink. Really hope so.

Star- Sorry to hear little one is isnt feeing well.

Your case officer, is the named officer.

Whether someone is on leave or only works two days a week or not is irrelevant. They knew this, when you applied, they still have to stick to their legal obligations.

Follow up that telephone conversation in writing and ask for a reply in writing, i bet they wont be so quick to fob you off with excuses when they have to put it in writing.

I am writing to you further to our telephone conversation of (insert date) during which you informed me your failure to allow for (insert name) being on annaul leave and (insert name) only working 2 days a week means the Decision will now be delayed to the (insert date)

You have now had xx weeks in which to make the assessment and a decision should have been made by (insert date) and annual leave and part time workers, taken into account so a decision could be reached within the timescale.

I therefore see no reason why you have chosen to delay the Decision until (insert date)

As the named Officer with legal responsibility for the actual Decision, I expect you to make the Decision without further unnecessary delay.

If i do not receive a decision by xxxx i will be writing to complain to ............................................

Yours sincerely

Thanks claw, will do that later so it is in his inbox first thing Monday. :)

Wow thank you, great letter, thanks for taking the time to help, really appreciate it!

Have they even given you a date?

No, just said maybe Monday or Tuesday...