statementing silly question

[Thereonthestair]

In my county DS would have been covered under the medical budget (CP) and has 25 hours under the early years budget at the moment. He would have had medical hours this year if he was older but he starts school in 2014 and no-one knows what happens next given the changes in funding which is why I am applying for the statement. The nursery are supporting this as are all his medics and therapists.

Sorry this is a silly but hopefully quick question. I have written my parental request to assess DS for a statement (the one at the beginning where they have 6 weeks to reply) do I send any evidence with this? I have so much paperwork I am not sure whether I just send the request or send medical reports, the IEPs from nursery, confirmation of the funding from the early years budget or nothing until they ask.

Personally I wouldn't. I WOULD however, use the exact wording as witten in the SENCOP if it fits, plus a list of professionals involved and one or two choice quotes from their paperwork that supports your request. I know you want to get things right first time, but believe me this is a LONG process and you will have ample opportunity to add the rest. You cannot be refused for lack of evidence, only for evidence that needs are currently being met. If you ARE refused, you can submit more literally the day after refusal if you have additional information.

Don't ever get into a discussion about funding. Not verbally and not in writing, as it is irrelevant. If the paed herself were to volunteer to be your child's 1:1 for a couple of years money would not come into it. The LA are allowed to meet your child's needs in any creative way they want to as long as it DOES meet need. If they whinge about funding tell them to speak to an accountant as their monetary problems are not your concern.

thank you. Does that mean i shouldn't even refer to the 25 hours funding DS currently gets. I am happy with this until Spet 2014, it is when he goes to school I end up with a big balck hole about what happens next. i don't want there to be a gap

You need to mention the 25 hours, but only in terms of what happens in them, and why he needs to continue/increase them. Avoid using the word funding IMO. Funding alone does not meet needs, it is what you do with it. You're not asking for money, you're asking for support, or better still, outcomes.

thank you very much. I think that makes the letter good to go.

OK. I have sent it. Now I just have to wait....