Galvanise me into taking action please....

[pannetone]

I have been dealing with a disability discrimination case (that went to tribunal) against my middle DS's school. Now waiting for the outcome of tha, but I am concerned that, in the meantime, I may have had my 'eye off the ball' when it comes to youngest DS's and DD's SEN in terms of school. I have spent time pursuing ASD diagnoses - DS got his last November, DD is still being assessed - and getting this far has involved much wrangling with professionals - who often wanted to 'wait and see'.

Anyway, first DS is in Y6 with an ASD diagnosis and fairly severe anxiety. He is about to start a course of CBT at CAMHS. He is academically very able but struggles at school with sensory issues, and sometimes needs to leave the class because he is overwhelmed. He is always anxious that he will be in trouble at school for something he has done or should have done. He is often reluctant to go into school. He is terrified of the HT after being 'bawled out' by him on one occasion after what was really a 'communication' issue (with another child) probably caused by his ASD. DS has never had an IEP. I presume he is on the SEN register but I don't know if he is on School Action or what. This isn't acceptable is it?

Next we have DD in Y3 who has selective mutism and is being assessed for ASD. She has had IEPs since she began at school but they have never been reviewed - well, not that we've been told. The latest one we had was March 2012. DD also has speech therapy in school from an independent SALT they employ. She does set 'speech and language targets' each term which she does review - and we get sent a copy. That doesn't count as an IEP though does it? DD's last IEP says she is on School Action. Should she be on School Action plus as outside agencies work with her? (She is also under CAMHS and she has been given some Art therapy arranged by the School)

I have made an appointment to see the Head this week. He is also acting SENCO after the 2-day-a-week SENCO went on maternity leave. I think the HT will be defensive to any suggestion that the School isn't supporting them appropriately... I feel battle weary after the tribunal case with middle DS and am trying to gather strength for this.

Geesh that is a lot of chasing, and I'm not suprised you are battle weary after a tribunal!

Apparently schools are supposed to tell you that they are putting your DCs on SEN reg at school action or school action plus. But like you I don't know which for my dd, I'm guessing school action plus as we have a CAF planning meeting tomorrow.
I'm not too sure about IEPs though (I'm not sure if dd has one... I'm going to do what I'm going to advise after half term or during the meeting with the senco about the outcome of the CAF planning meeting)

It might be easier to do a paragraph of questions as to what level action each DC is on, IEPs two sided list with all the children, stuff the school are doing/ stuff the school are not doing that you feel they should be doing.

Take it all with you not to hand to the senco but to write on for your benefit. And write down the answers to the questions.

You should know what is going on, what the plan is and to be a part of it.

I think your post is going to end up spurring me on!

Good luck! I hope all goes well

Sorry didn't mean to write
"IEPs two sided list" I meant have a two sided list....

All the best

Thanks dinkysmum. Trying to get up to speed - what's a CAF meeting? Should I be getting/requesting one of those?!

Oh, the CAF...

The CAF is supposed to be a way of getting the multidisciplinary teams to work together and make communication better in the agencies.
My dd has a referral to CAMHS and the school wanted to see if any other agency can help with our situation (behavioural team/CAMHS/SS disabilities team/housing ect). DD has 'behavioural and emotional difficulties' but there is a question mark over possible ASD, she has a play therpaist through the school and they think there might be a possibility of having a TAC (team around the child) who will try to put things into place to help her, and help me cope with her 'challenging behaviour'.

In your case you could possibly ask for a CAF seeing as you have more than one child with SEN, and then you might be able to get a TAF (team around the family) and have a lead professional/key worker who can help you with dealing with the different agencies and the school to make sure each child is getting what they need.
Maybe have a look at this CAF process about CAF and it should have links to TAC and TAF... If you wanted to go for it ask the senco to do an e-CAF, it might take longer as you might have to do a form for each child! Although I'm not sure, mine took an hour but that was with a computer crash after 10 minutes.

Is it just me that gets confused with all these acronyms?

I really do hope it all goes well with you and your family... Keep us posted