Advice needed - frustrating dealing with incompetent SEN case worker

[T3009]

Hi, we sent out request for statutory assessment earlier this year and technically, after the multidisplinary assessment, decision for proposed statement should have been by 6 September 2012 and statement finalised by 2 November 2012.

On 3 Septmber, I was informed by the SEN case worker, for the very first time, that the case was being referred to a Panel sitting on 13 Sept. On that same day, I was informed that the Panel have decided to issue a statement, but the "finer details are still in discussion".

It's only after complaining about the incompetent SEN case worker, that I was informed about the decision on 13 Sept.

I am now confused - techincally they are late in issuing the propsed statement, which should have been with us since 6 Sept. I have been informed that the proposed statement would be sent sometime this week.

Please advise what can I do re delay?

They have clearly no respected the timetable to adhere to?

Please advise?

My lea have never stuck to their own timetable. My dd statement was several months late. I complained but it is pretty typical tbh.

Given there's just been the holidays I don't think a 2 week delay is horrendous, providing everything else is on time. They may even mske up the delay by moving from proposed to final quite quickly. I would send a brief and polite email noting the delay and asking is there anything I could do 'as dc's parent' to help. SEND actually stops the appeals clock in the summer holidays. There may even be something in sencop about SA being extended at that time.

I think getting your knickers in a twist about a 14 day delay could risk making you look unreasonable (not good if you head to tribunal) and distract you from the far more important issue of getting an accurate part 2 and a watertight part 3.

It could work in your dc's favour, if they haven't got long to finalise, it might include all amendments you want.. Alternatively they might agree zilch and it'll be so very bad that appeal will be easy.

When did you send in your application? LAs are allowed to discount August in their timings (though not for the final statement).