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Original poster

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

53 replies

starfish71 · 23/05/2012 19:00

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?

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claw4 · 26/05/2012 13:16

Thats really poor, if they have delayed it, they should at least write to you giving their reasons and give you a date. Their excuses are also really poor, i would certainly be following up their excuses in writing.

Good luck, let us know how you get on and remember they could make a decision there and then if they wanted to.

claw4 · 28/05/2012 11:03

Just going through some old stuff on my laptop and came across this and thought of you.

I refer to Annexe A of the SEN COP as set out below, which lists exceptions why the LA do not have to comply with the above timescales and none of them apply in this case.

Annexe A:

"12 (6) Subject to paragraph (7), where under sections 323(4) or 329A(7) an authority have given notice to the child?s parent of their decision to make an assessment they shall complete that assessment within 10 weeks of the date on which such notice was given.
(7) An authority need not comply with the time limit referred to in paragraph (6) if it is impractical to do so because-
(a) in exceptional cases after receiving the advice sought under regulation 7 it is necessary for the authority to seek further advice;
(b) the child?s parent has indicated to the authority that he wishes to provide advice to the authority after the expiry of 6 weeks from the date of on which a request for such advice under regulation 7(1)(a) was received, and the authority have agreed to consider such advice before completing the assessment;
(c) the authority have requested advice from the head teacher of a school under regulation 7(1)(b) during a period beginning 1 week before any date on which that school was closed for a continuous period of not less than 4 weeks from that date and ending 1 week before the date on which it re-opens;
(d) the authority have requested advice from the head of SEN in relation to or other person responsible for a child?s education at an early education provider under regulation 7(1)(b) during a period beginning 1 week before any date on which that early education provider was closed for a continuous period of not less than 4 weeks from that date and ending 1 week before the date on which it re-opens;
(e) the authority have requested advice from a health authority or a social services authority under regulation 7(1)(c) or (e) respectively and the health authority or the social services authority have not complied with that request within 6 weeks from the date on which it was made;
(f) exceptional personal circumstances affect the child or his parent during the 10 week period referred to in paragraph (6);
(g) the child or his parent are absent from the area of the authority for a continuous period of not less than 4 weeks during the 10 week period referred to in paragraph (6)

Original poster

starfish71 · 28/05/2012 11:15

Thank you claw! Was just coming on to update and saw more info, made me feel am not alone.

I have just had an email from the lea manager telling me he will endeavour to get information to me shortly.

I shall now compose another letter using that info claw,

OP posts:

claw4 · 28/05/2012 11:44

You are welcome Star, keep us updated and hopefully you will have the decision soon

Original poster

starfish71 · 28/05/2012 17:06

Arragh! I could scream. still no news, have just spoken to office and told them I am complaining but the buggers still not budging.

all will be followed up by letter but I am really cross. DS2 is still poorly and I going to compose letter later listing all the delays and poor communication and send it. I have the name now to write too. They really don't care, think it is a case of ' yeah you do that, see where that gets you,'

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claw4 · 29/05/2012 07:40

Keep going Star, you are right, they really dont care, but you do, thats the important thing

Original poster

starfish71 · 30/05/2012 10:11

Have had a reply from LEA manager this morning after my rather good email, even if I do say so myself! Thanks to good advice here, especially claw!

Still haven't got an answer BUT he is feeding info back to my case officer at 10 in a meeting then she will ring me immediately but this may be around 12.

Oh what a load of nonsense, but I hope we finally know where we stand by lunch time.

OP posts:

claw4 · 30/05/2012 10:17

Star, he is talking rubbish, its either been to 'panel' and a decision made or it hasnt.

So he is now saying the decision hasnt been to 'panel' and the case officer will be making a decision at 10 today?

pinkorkid · 30/05/2012 10:20

Fingers crossed for you, star that you get the answer you need at lunchtime.

Original poster

starfish71 · 30/05/2012 10:21

It does seem that way doesn't it? BUT I have evidence that it has been a disaster. Wish I had logged every phone call I have made, lesson learned but have got all the emails.

He really has messed me about.

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Original poster

starfish71 · 30/05/2012 10:22

Thanks pink :)

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claw4 · 30/05/2012 10:31

If you dont get a decison today by 12. Ask him the above outright. Good luck and lets hope you get the decison and its good news.

Original poster

starfish71 · 30/05/2012 12:52

They are issuing a Note in Lieu :(

Have already phoned his Consultant at CAMHS (Sam doesn't have a formal dx of ASD as he wouldn't complete last part of assessment) she is going to try and help.

Have emailed my lovely autism outreach worker for advice and left message for SNAP to ring me back.

Have pushed the tears back, what else do I need to do?

My Case officer wants a meeting next Wednesday should I go? I really don't want to see the smug git at the moment.

OP posts:

Iceflower · 30/05/2012 12:56

Take a deep breath... and start planning. I'm so sorry to hear this. I know some others will come along soon with advice.

claw4 · 30/05/2012 14:40

Star, thats ok, not the news you wanted, but ok.

Next step will be taking a day off, be kind to yourself, then appealling their decision.

Ask him the purpose of the meeting and an agenda, so you can go prepared.

Original poster

starfish71 · 30/05/2012 14:51

Think I will tell him will meet but after half term. Thanks claw will make sure I know actually why he wants to meet. Probably to tell me how DS is bright, hasn't got a dx, once we sort out his anexity everything will be ok....

DH is bringing wine home. Feeling rotten.

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claw4 · 30/05/2012 18:29

Say thanks i know he is bright and hasnt got a dx, how are we going to sort out his anxiety! I was thinking along the lines of actually following the recommendations made by professionals!

Wine sounds great, relax, unwind, then start again when you feel ready.

pinkorkid · 30/05/2012 21:16

Sorry it's not the right answer from them but if it's any consolation the stalling stopped for us only once the appeal to tribunal went in. It's crap but you can do this. As claw says, be kind to yourself, have a few days off then get an agenda agreed and you set about proving that they have got it all wrong.

Original poster

starfish71 · 30/05/2012 21:31

Thank you claw and pink, having support means a lot right now.

My case officer has dropped off the advices for the statutory assessment and it makes dire reading. The only ones I hadn't read before hand are the school and medical advice. It was so clear that DS was not able to cope in that horrible school.

DH reading it through now, won't get the note in lieu yet, possibly for three weeks as their co-ordinator is off....

Will start a new thread tomorrow, hopefully DS2 will be going to school as lots better today, fingers crossed.

I am drinking wine, my neck is coming out in stress hives and my shoulders are up to my ears.

OP posts:

claw4 · 31/05/2012 07:46

Star and remember the LA refusing/delaying every step of the way, is bog standard, doesnt mean that your ds doesnt need the help or that you wont get it, its just another delay tactic, you have already experienced this.

And you are certainly not alone, i should be getting my decision week after next, i am expecting them to refuse, if they dont i will be shocked. We can hold hands together

This is my 2nd time around, i went Tribunal and lost as they refused to issue a statement and gave ds NIL in 2010. I have now requested SA/reassessment of the NIL again. I am more than willing to share any info/advice i have with you.

The more they refuse, the wiser you get, you learn all their tricks. So dont give up.

Original poster

starfish71 · 31/05/2012 09:03

Thank you so much claw. Really hope that you don't have to go through it all again, that must have been an awful time.

Trying to keep calm today, it may not work though!

Will be asking loads of questions later am sure! :)

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claw4 · 31/05/2012 09:25

Star, i try to detach my emotions from it now, i treat it as i would a business arrangement, focus on the facts (although i dont always manage to remain emotionless! i feel angry, have a few tears, but it passes). Many times, i thought whats the point, its draining, its time consuming, its confusing, but its worth it, im fighting for the most important thing in the world, my ds.

Ask lots of questions, its quite therapeutic, it helps to get things straight in your own head and helps you to focus on whats important and whats not. I have received so much helpful advice and support on mn, id be lost without it.

Original poster

starfish71 · 31/05/2012 21:59

Thank you claw, you are right I will keep telling myself it's not personal and keep to the facts.

So good to know I can come and moan, get advice, it's a bit of a lonely road this isn't it?

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GurlwiththeFrothyCurl · 31/05/2012 22:05

I've just found your thread. Can't really offer advice as we are so much further along the road. All I can say is that we have fought every step of the way for DS and it still hasn't stopped!

But, in the end it's worth it. At least you can feel that you have given it everything and that you have tried your best for your child. Even if you don't win every battle.

Original poster

starfish71 · 31/05/2012 22:11

Thanks gurl! Will keep battling on :)

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