School not following OT recommendations

[rickbird]

What can we do if, despite their own policies, the teachers just do not follow the strategies laid down within my child's SN page? It is down to time in the classroom, large classes and ignorance of the diagnosed conditions, I am sure but who manages the process? If I was to ask one of my team to do something a different way, I would check to make sure they were doing it. The school does not seem to do this and leaves it to the teachers to manage themselves. Senco does not have authority to tell them to do something or has the staff to provide LSA support in every lesson. Hence we still get reports and "chats" that refer to lack of focus, poor time management, not completing enough/any work in class - all are classic signs that strategies are not being employed. I have spoken to the faculty heads, SENco, Progress learning leader but still it continues. What next? Is this common?

Yes it's common. Probably only sorted (and sometimes not even then) with a statement.

SENCO is discouraging statement. I am seeing Ed Psych in Fen and will ask her. Thanks

Forgive me for being cynical but it is cheaper to provide no support than to request or support statementing and have to provide (and probably fund) OT provision so I am not surprised that the senco is 'discouraging statement'.

Apply for SA yourself. Your first request will probably be turned down but you can appeal or reapply after 6 months or submit new evidence and the lea may be able to be more successful in encouraging the school - eg detailing what more they could be doing (and are expected to be doing) but are not. Also agreeing how progress is to be measured.

"SENCO is discouraging statement"

Oh well, your child obviously doesn't have SN and certainly doesn't have one severe enough to warrant a legal document

If you wait until the SENCO encourages a Statement, you'll never get one. My DD's Inclusion Co-ordinator 'discouraged' me applying for one. I have her 3rd annual review next month. It's standard.

Write that letter

Thanks Guys so I am not a pushy parent then?! If the school cannot and will not provide the help he needs then some higher authority will have to tell them. SENco not wanting statement because the Y9 structured study (next year), English break out support group (next term) will probably take up the hours a statement would suggest. The problem is that he needs help in every lesson, not a couple of support groups a week to make up for what is not happening in the classroom. What happened to inclusion for all?! I am also told that funding from 2014 will not be dependent on a statement as schools will receive a different feed with more money instead of a statement dependent allocation. Seeing Ed Psych in Feb, the Parent Support lady next week and with two "agencies" involved already and a child on school action plus, maybe they will see that the support is not there and support my application. My adult OT mate told me that his report from the paed OT read like that of a stroke patient. This week their pet project is to get the "failing" kids to do the same test over and over again like this is going to help them understand the material better. ARGH! Teaching not testing will educate them!

Funding matters are no concern of yours. You want your DS's needs met. You feel that the school is unable to meet those needs without the LA.

Write that letter

lougle you are beginning to talk like a Ninja warrier - perhaps you need to namechange to 'sensi lougle'?

But seriously rick she is right.

Write that letter