Withdraw appeal? LA willing to backtrack

[starfish71]

Had a meeting with LA manager on Tuesday to discuss the fact that they issued a final amendment notice which reduced SALT for my DS and without holding an annual review, meeting with me to discuss recommendations etc.

I have got an independent therapist carring out assessments on DS and she is going to do a detailed report as I have an appeal registered with tribunal.

Well after Tuesday where LA agreed there had been some possible errors with sending out final statement etc without meeting, told me he would meet with their salt therapist and see if she stood by the reduction in therapy.

The meeting was quite strange, oddest one I have had with them.

Anyway have just received an email that says they are willing to put back original provision and with a written guarantee that it will be provided and that our therapist report will be taken into account at annual review.

Right, my head is pounding am feeling rough today, opinions wanted please?

Thank you x

Don't withdraw appeal until you have in your hand, a final statement that you are happy with.

TBH I think it is reasonable enough to tell the LA that you are grateful for their reinstatement of the provision but given you have now had to pay for an independent SALT you would very much like to hear what she says in order to ensure that the statement is up to date with your child's needs.

Thank you, think that was what was bothering me, have sent email asking to hold off on issuing/amending till I have indi report. Am also waiting for indi therapist to get back to me.

I feel bit better for doing that.

Have asked LA to wait until I have indi report, they have agreed! Spoke to therapist and she will be seeing DS twice more then report should be ready by 17th may.

So, keep appeal in at moment, should I ring ring SENTW?

I would only call the SEND if you have a very close deadline to the 17th May. You can still do that late on and if needs be you can defer hearings so long as you have valid reasons. New information and time to respond to it is one such good reason. Keep the appeal there for now. LAs mess around and cancel hearing at the last hour sometimes so don't feel bad here. I am still concerned that the LA are playing a silly game here so don't take them at their word until you absolutely have everything that you think you need in your hand all present and correct. ie the statement.

Thanks beautifulgirls, case statement not due to end of month so won't worry about withdrawing yet, as you say I want to be certain that I get the statement right and in my hands before I do.