ASD DS to be permanently excluded or sent to a CSS.

[Sahkoora]

Don't know if you have read my other threads this week about DS being pressured when he gets to school.

I had the meeting with the HT today and basically, they have said that DS is a danger to himself and others and that they are going to do a positive referral to a CSS or they are going to permanently exclude him.

I have heard several times that the CSS is not a suitable place for a 5 year old, and the LA are standing with the school.

Both LA and school think it unlikely DS would get another place at a mainstream school, but are also won't say that a special school is the answer, as he doesn't yet have a statement.

In shock, don't know what to do. REALLY don't want to send DS to the CSS, but there doesn't seem as though we have any other options now. Should I pull DS out and homeschool him until we can get an ss place?

Sorry if this is a bit spacy, I feel weird right now.

I am sure someone will point you to the definitive document but for the time being here's quite a bit about PRUs and how they are unsuitable (written by a very nice lady who've I've met)

PRUs

arghh 'whom I've met'

It appears from the link (above) that a move to a PRU is a 'managed move' and, as such, it requires the parent's agreement. That's why the LA are pressuring you to agree.

But do not agree.

Because if you do, you'll find it very diufficult to secure the proper educational placemnet that he really needs - as the LA will just bounce him in and out of the PRU for the rest of his educational life.

The problem is that if they permanently exclude they will say that the CSS is their provision for all permanently excluded children.
When my ds was permanently excluded (school couldn't meet needs) they attempted to place him in a PRU. He had previously spent a short while there and all the LA professionals knew, and it was recorded, that this was the wrong environment for him.
I refused to send him back there and asked what provision they would provide. They said that was all they had a duty to offer and that as I had declined to send him there it was my 'choice' not to have him in education . Whatever you do don't agree to your ds going there - he'll never get out.

I would remind the HT of the Governments statutory exclusion guidance: The decision to exclude a pupil must be lawful, reasonable and fair. Schools have a statutory duty not to discriminate against pupils on the basis of protected characteristics, such as disability or race. Schools should give particular consideration to the fair treatment of pupils from groups who are vulnerable to exclusion. Disruptive behaviour can be an indication of unmet needs.

They're not due an Ofsted visit soon are they?
Can you say what county you're in?

Sorry About the IPSEA they definitely used to have -mail contact for when you can't get through on the phone.I did find SOSSEN good for advice when getting DS's statement and they were easier than IPSEA to get though to

Have you seen [http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/education-providers-schools-guidance/exclusion-from-school/you-must-not-discriminate-against-a-pupil-by-excluding-them-from-school/ this]]? about half way 2/3 down about what constitutes disability discrimination and more details [http://www.mind.org.uk/mental_health_a-z/8069_disability_discrimination-legal_briefing here on the MIND site]].

there is more restriction on a head once you have the statement [http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/statutory/g00210521/statutory-guidance-regs-2012/guidance/heads-power-to-exclude para 22]]

The Statement is due. The OP might as well sit tight and see what that says and get the chance to name her choice.

The timing is interesting either the school is sending a message that if it is named it wants lots of funding to take this child, or it is sending a message to the LA it doesn't want to be named and the LA should name a SS or unit.

The LA cant really name a PRU as a long term placement in Part 4 for a 5 year old.

Maybe the school and LA are threatening a PRU to push the OP towards SS?

You can leave opinions of a school with OFSTED at any time, btw, though there is no room for elaboration. It's a simple tick box affair.
parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/

Another one I forgot to mention further up the thread - Parent Partnership aren't totally impartial but can organise visits to schools, accompany you on the visit and help you get there, if needs be.

Thank you so much everyone. Formulating a proper plan of action now. Going to be pushy and determined and not be satisfied until DS is sorted properly.

Got a fantastic advocate on board who will help us get what we want and not let DS get put on the scrapheap at 5. Should be getting the proposed statement through today, please everyone keep everything crossed that we get a decent number of hours and that it is an ASD statement as that will make our fight for a permanent ss placement for DS.

Also been put in touch with another mum in the area whose DS is older than mine but who has been though all of this. She told me this sort of shit is common practice in our area and not to bother with any more mainstream, as it happened to her DS repeatedly until he went to an ss.

Fingers crossed for you.

Fingers crossed. Glad you are getting some good advice and support.

I am so pleased you have some RL support.
and more to help you through it.

Thank you for your support. Very much appreciated here.

Just found out DS has an ASD statement with 27.5 hours of support, so this should help our case in pushing for an ss.

Excelent news. Glad you're in contact with someone locally who 'knows the ropes'.

'Just found out DS has an ASD statement with 27.5 hours of support, so this should help our case in pushing for an ss.'

That is impossible. If he did have a statement you would have been involved and notified of your right to appeal the contents.

If indeed he does have a statement that you were unaware of they are on very dodgy legal ground meaning you can quite possible ask for the moon and get it on a plate right now.

Sorry , missed your post explaining that the proposed statement was due.

Ignore me..

Very well done. I hope this is the pathway to better provision now.