got the statement

[zumbaleena]

I am such a PROUD mum today. We got the statement when I was expecting a NIL 100%. got 12 hrs TA support and we are wondering whether to accept or ask for more.

Congrats. You are RIGHT to be proud. Woop!

Well done, I bet that is a huge relief to you. Push for the amount you think is right, but also realise that you will need the professional advice to back up your request too or they will not budge. Don't be afraid to carry on the fight if you think the help is required.

Great news zumbaleena. Have a look at the IPSEA or sossen guides on how to check the statement to make sure it's correctly quantified and specified and the language is not too woolly. 12 hours isn't a lot, how will that support be used? It doesn't divide easily by 5 days. 15 would be better, and you'd get a more consistent level of support. (20 even better! )

to be bhonest dd is in nursery. only going 5 mornings...she is still going to nursery for another year. so works well

So pretty much full time support! Great. Have a look at the wording, then.

i have been advised this - to accept the current proposed statement and as soon as funding starts or final statement comes...to appeal it asking for full ABA program or more hours of TA support or consultant's fee and workshops. is that an advisable route?

Ah, brilliant.

Don't know about tactics for getting ABA. But if your dd is likely to need full-time support for a while yet, accepting the 12h (rather than 15h) might set a dangerous precedent.

that is exactly where I am confused but I look forward to backing it up by getting an independent EP to come and give his input. You see, once the final statement is in operation, the LEA cannot stop the funding unless it is discussed at an Annual Review. also, how does one get to know or negotiate which level TA I am going to get?

The statement should specify. My DS's specifies a qualified TA, which means level 2 qualified as a minimum in my LA. Just be careful not to be too proscriptive about qualifications as that might limit too much the field for potential TAs. Often the right fit is more important than level of qualification, though a minimum of level 2 would at least ensure a basic level of education.

(I'm level 2 qualified TA, who happens to have an irrelevant degree. )