Ipsea helpline - how Hard is it to get through?

[Catsdontcare]

I've been trying all morning but it just rings and rings. Should I assume no one is there or should I just let it ring until picked up? I could understand it being engaged but it's not.

I found it always much easier to get through about 7 pm. always struggled to get through during the day as well.

Thanks will try again this evening.

Ring them at the most likely time that other potential callers will be doing the bedtime routine!

They have only just opened after a holiday so might be really busy for a few days. Contact a family have a educational helpline now they might be worth a call.

thanks I may give them a try. Have just sent a letter to lea to say not happy with amended proposed statement so want to be prepared for when I have to talk to them.

I get the feeling this is going to drag on a bit!

Cats

I couldnt get through to either IPSEA or ACE so I bit the bullet and rang the local PP

I only wanted to know if I could name the DSP and if I did so would I need to change the wording in Pt 3. They managed to advise me but it was very specific!

Are you any of the wiser?
I am not taking on the ambiguous nature of the statement for lots of reason (v. long story that requires lots of and tissues) but I will have to at some point.
I will be interesting to see how you get on doing it - have you read the ACE booklet on how to approach a proposed statement. It's very good.

Don't want to put you off, but I never managed to get through to them, despite what must have been many hundred attempts- so yes I agree hard to get through. I would second the ACE booklet.

Thank for the replies I don't think I've seen the ace booklet so will look it up. I tried ipsea again last night and was either engaged or it just rang and rang.

I've made some headway in that I've typed up all that is missing from part 2 and the professional advice to support it and I've started going through part 3 and re writing each provision so it's specified and quantified (I'm guessing a bit here) and then listing alongside it the evidence from the professional advice.

I'm worried though as this is the amended proposed statement and they are probably going to ask why I didn't ask for all this the first time (was on holiday when it arrived had two days to respond and we talked over the phone so I hadn't had chance to get to grips with it at all)

I could never get through to IPSEA either although there was some great stuff on their website.
Instead I found lots for help fro SOSSEN www.sossen.org.uk/

Cats, have you tried the IPSEA email service? I think a few people on here have found that useful.

I have got through to IPSEA several times, but only by being patient and pressing redial over and over. (Start dialing about five minutes before their lines open as well. )

[http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/Resources/ACE/advice%20booklets/GettingTheStatementRight%20Mar2011.pdf]

I wouldnt worry what they think - I can't even contact anyone at my sons school because they are on holiday and I have already been told that the school might not be able to respond straight away after the hols!! Apparently they have to given chance to catch up!

I haven't tried emailing but that's a good idea I will give it a go. The lea have agreed to a meeting a don't seem to be stringing it out time wise so that is a positive.

IPSEA are there - I spoke to them this afternoon - apparently inundated. Worth the wait as advice very detailed and I have always found right - unlike some other organisations!

I agree try in evenings.

IPSEA are always short of volunteers. The training is very good, so maybe it is something some Mumsnetters could consider.
I was told the best time to ring is around 3pm when everyone collects their children from school.

yes i have said to ipsea once my current battle is over that i will volunteer for them