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OT assessments in Special Schools

1 reply

StayChilled · 15/07/2012 09:34

My son is 16 and attends a Special Needs Secondary School. He has had a Statement from the beginning of his school years and in primary school he had an OT assessment and reports from the OT were submitted for his annual review. Since transferring to secondary school he has never had any direct input from the OT and no reports have been submitted. Parts 2 and 3 of his statement include "support and advice from an OT", and his needs have been specified and quantified, but the school take the view that this kind of provision is built into the school day. I get the impression that the OT acts as a consultant but is not directly involved with my son.

We have pointed out to the LA that they have a statutory duty to ensure that provision detailed in Part 3 of the statement is carried out. We are just wondering whether, in the meantime, we should seek out an independent OT assessment for our son, as my concern is that even if we get an OT assessment at the school, it may be tailored to suit the resources and staff available at the school, rather than addressing our son's needs.

We have been in touch with IPSEA, but I just wondered if any other members have had a similar experience and if so, we would be grateful for any advice.

OP posts:
magso · 15/07/2012 13:42

I can only say that we sought private support for our son once he transferred to sn seconday. We have submitted a report from our OT to help guide them but it is not directly part of the statement. The salt (who assesses all year 7s) wrote a report to be included in the statement and commented on things she noticed that would usually be the OTs area to fill the gap a little. I have found the almost total lack of outside support, pastural care and knowledge of our sons difficulties quite shocking after an excellent sn junior.

I can only suggest writing to the appropriate people to ask for OT assessment and support in accordance with his statement.

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