Please can someone reassure me that DS will be ok when he starts secondary school in September :-(

[Chocamochalatte]

DS has language and auditory processing disorder, took us 5 years to get to see Ed Physch, applied for statementing at Easter but just received a letter to say that the school hadn't supplied enough evidence and the speech and language report hadn't been received Of course we're going to appeal but that doesn't really help us for September. I have no idea what to do and am so worried, if I wasn't the main wage earner I would give up my job

have you had any contact with the senco at the new school about how they might support your ds and about getting a statement?
Also I hate to say it but if it all goes pearshaped quickly could that help with getting evidence?
Have they thrown out your request completely - or have they said they will look again if there is enough evidence?

is there a local parent partnership that you could contact for some advice? or maybe THE ADVISORY CENTRE FOR EDUCATION? iv phoned them b4 and they listen and help..

What transition was there (visit school, pupil passport etc)? Have you met with the SENCO at secondary? How do they plan to support him? Specifically why are you concerned that he won't be able to cope?

Easter to date seems an awfully long time to refuse to assess (stat 6 weeks) - I assume the LEA are drafting a statement but are saying that they are still waiting for info from the school and SALT? I'm a bit confused though because you talk about appealing?

I'm at work so quick reply, I'll come back later!

The letter states that they won't be taking it any further because if lack of evidence and no speech and language report (which bizarrely came in the post this morning) but we can appeal...

We do have a Parent Partnership do will contact them for advice too.

There were two induction days plus one induction afternoon for SEN pupils.

I haven't met with SEN Coordinator, opportunity hasn't arisen, should I request this separately?

Particularly worried about making friends as his social skills inc language and understanding are very low. His auditory memory is very low for his age meaning taking notes in class will be very difficult.

Will come back with more detail later. Thanks for your replies so far x

What exactly did previous school supply in terms of IEPs?. What evidence did you put forward?.

Appeal their crass decision asap; decisions made not to assess are par for the course for many LEAs. You will need to be persistant, after all you are your child's best and only advocate here.

Use IPSEA's refusal to assess pack on their website www.ipsea.org.uk and arm yourself also with a copy of the SENCOP (Special Educational Needs Code of Practice).

Statement as well can take around 6 months to set up once the LEA agree to assess so time is of the essense here.

Seek independent advice from one of the organisations out there like IPSEA, ACE, SOSSEN etc. Parent Partnership can be a mixed bag; some are very closely linked to their lords and masters the LEA and can thus tow the party line. They are not therefore fully impartial.

You need to see the SENCO at his secondary school asap.