4 schools, 3 addresses, 2 tribunals, 1 large debt..........

[StarlightMcKenzie]

We did it!

Final Statement arrived this morning, naming the independent special school ds needs.

And to top it off ds asked dd this morning 'Why do you like to make friends?' and then 'How do you make friends?' which is both heart-wrenching but also very very positive.

Woohoo!! Congratulations, I bet you feel so relieved now.

congrats

your list looks much like mine did.... but now, 3 years on (and one forced change of school later - with no hassle!) it was all well worth it.

hopefully you'll have as straightforward a run as we did once the school was named (and long may our luck continue on that fornt!)

for the statement
and for the 4 schools, 3 addresses, 2 tribunals and 1 large debt
for the 'friends'
and/or for the star that made it all happen

I feel like I can sleep for 2 years!

I want to have a break and then get on with supporting some of the good work that is going on here and elsewhere to prevent others from having anything like the horrendous journey I have experienced.

But, first, I have to set up a life for my family here, make friends, get a hobby etc.

well done Star!!

what a bloody hard slog you've had but it proves what can happen if you want it enough

fabulous news

Congratulations Star... That is brilliant news. Well done to you and it seems your DS is making good progress, so well done to him as well. Long may it continue.

What fab news for a Monday! Congratulations, you have earned it!

False, I had some resources that others don't always have. I believe I drove them hard, but I was lucky enough to have them. i.e. and education, a vaguely relevant job prior, internet connection, a VERY supportive dh, the ability to access credit, a tenacious type of personality.

I don't want people to think that all you need is determination. You do need more than that, but even still it has been that battle of my life!

Lovely news Star, congratulations, now enjoy being a mother first instead of it being fitted in around deadlines and agendas.

Star but it was your 'want' that ultimately made it happen - it was a a compliment

i've followed your story, you've been an inspiration

Thank you False

I do sometimes get upset with the frequent implication from some professionals in particular that DS doesn't need their attention because there are other children out there with less 'pushy' parents who for that reason alone are more worthy of resources.

Those parents still have their home, their job/life/course etc.

It's a specialist SALT school that follows mainstream state National Curriculum.

But, you know, my life has changed and I have changed. I'll never be able to relax completely, or be off my guard.

I expect you're like that too sliverfrog. The road ahead is still long, it's just better than it was for this bit of it.

Well done! Did you have to do the latest tribunal or did they cave before? Brilliant news.

No second tribunal. I mean, it was prepared and planned for, and we'd passed the final evidence deadline etc. but it didn't happen.

TB fair, new LA were fighters, but a lot less inhumane than previous one. Therefore some level of reasonable discussion and negotiation could occur, rather than 'no because I said so and if you cause a fuss, we'll call in child protection and tell the DLA you're making it all up' like with the last one.

Yeah, makes a difference. And I think you've moved to my old part of the world, which is an amazing place. Hopefully it's all good from now on!

So pleased and proud of you star, congratulations onwards and upwards

I've had that attitude off a couple of people recently (one a Mum, another a professional), Star so can sympathise. People don't take into account the very real sacrifices we have to make at times. My personality is permanently changed - I expect your is too.

I'm SO glad it's come right for you at last. Hopefully now you can rebuild your lives as a "normal content" family. All the stuff that others take for granted e.g a few friends to have the odd cuppa with, a hobby, friends for your NT children, a Friday night takeaway occasionally with the other half etc. Most of all I hope you can just all enjoy your family's newest addition without the fear of CP knocks at the door.

So pleased that this piece of your journey is over.

about the making friends bit. That will be your next challenge

I'm another who has been changed by the fight but that's not to say that I don't enjoy every day watching the fruits of my labours grow Ds is in touch daily with his classmates and the headphones and mic are getting good use and I'm training myself not to hear the swearing
I like to think that I'm more prepared for next time (because I'm under no illusion that there will be a next time) Currently claiming back PPI with the sole intention of it being banked to fight for dd.
Be kind to yourself now Star you have been under a prolonged period of stress not only with LA but also house move and birth don't be too quick to get back in the swing your body and mind need time to recover.

Massive congratulations star! What a woman and mother you are, you have achieved so much for your family :)

Have now and later! xx

Well done Star :)