Meeting to discuss SA

[sugaplumfurry]

Anyone else had to go to a meeting to go through why the SA was turned down?

Never heard of such a thing though its not altogether surprising. Sounds like a delaying or stalling tactic.

Who applied for the statement initially, you or school?. When was it turned down?

Who is chairing this meeting and where do you have to go to attend it?.

Have had my statement request turned down previously (twice) but managed to obtain a statement. Do not be disheartened and put your appeal in. IPSEA have "refusal to assess" information on their website which is www.ipsea.org.uk.

Importantly, have you appealed against their decision?.

We applied for SA. SENCO invited us to a meeting with SEND, CT, EP and herself on the deadline (to appeal) date so they can go through why SA was turned down. I find this strange because as it was us who started the process off, surely we should of initially been contacted first about a meeting rather than asked if we would 'like' to come along to a meeting arranged with the school . I have already contacted SEND for more information (in writing) as to why it was turned down but haven't heard anything yet.

Oh sorry missed the last bit, no we have decided not to appeal at this moment in time, we need to get together more proof. So have been saving up for private assessments.

You don't have to go to any meeting if you don't want to. It's a myth that you have to go to every single stalling meeting just to appear reasonable imo. If you are going to appeal this decision you need to do so before the deadline though so make sure you don't miss it.

I'd appeal now. You would still have plenty of time to obtain your private assessments before any Tribunal hearing. The LA may even change their mind if you lodge an appeal.

By not appealing you are runing the risk that Statements may be abolished before you have secured one.

You don't actually needs masses of information for a successful appeal against a refusal to assess.

You'll probably meet SENCO - not SEND at the meeting. SEND is the Tribunal organistaion, SENCO is the school's special educational needs co-ordinator.

Sorry but I would advise that you have your appeal in before that meeting.

Chances are you have more than enough evidence and formulating an appeal before that craftily-timed meeting will mean you are fluent in your arguments (and wise enough to know which ones to hold back on).

If miracles happen you can always withdraw your appeal, but the application will strengthen your knowledge, resolve and your position in the meeting.

You still have plenty of time to get the independent assessments. Typically these should be sought a couple of months before the tribunal date to limit expense and sure information is current.

I completely agree with the above comments.

Thanks from what I have read (info from parent partnership) We have to provide as much evidence as we can with our appeal letter, then anything we do not supply we have to supply within 10 days of the appeal?? Gawd! I have read so much stuff and I still don't have a feckin clue!

Hypermobility has just been picked up by the podiatrist and he has referred DS for blood tests because DH was diagnosed with Rheumatiod arthritis when he was 9 but DS doesn't have any swelling so podiatrist is unsure TBH even though he is having day/night symptoms (so we found out when questioned at the app), he's also been referred to physio .....there is no way we will have a letter or even if it will mention the hypermobility in the time I have read.

There is information on the IPSEA site about how to appeal refusal to assess

www.ipsea.org.uk

A diagnosis is not important as it's actual needs that require support rather than any perceived needs as a consequence of a specific diagnosis. So your views on what is required are just as valid as the 'professionals'.

I know this doesn't sound convincing but those letters you say you need, you don't.

Put what you have got along with your appeal, giving your opinion also as evidence. You have 10 days to submit extra but if you are allowed to appeal (and you almost certainly will be), you can submit evidence up to a month before the hearing officially, and afterwards with the judge's agreement (almost always given).

Then go to the meeting and listen to all their reasons so you can gather the relevant evidence to refute them.

And independent IPSEA is a more reliable source than LA funded Parent Partnership.

I am appealing refusal to assess. You can say your appealing and apply and pull out before it happens so even if you say your appealing you can pull out later on. You don't have to send evidence with the appeal, that can go in until about a month before the hearing. You might already have enough evidence - it's down to the judge not the lea. Statutory assessment is going next year. If you wait say another six months and get turned down you might have lost the option to appeal as the system will have stopped. I can say just go for it as believe me it's not easy BUT think what have you to loose? I have nothing in place so nothing to loose. Except maybe my sons one and only shot to get a good start in his education. His good start in life has already been lost forever. Can't regret that as I had no chance to help him with no power. Now I have

Blimey 2boys, That's a seriously impressive post, given you're also starting out.

Look how fast you can learn OP!!!!

I learnt from the best xxx

OK ladies looks like I need to pull my finger out!

2boys I remember you applying for SA around the time we did. You seem to have absorbed the info better than me

Now for the bad news....I have 6 days to appeal!

I did start putting my info into 2 separate files as suggested by PP, I have a mountain of DS's workbooks with examples of work but sadly the CT's changed their notes at the bottom every time I sent a query about anything , but I admitted defeat because there wasn't enough evidence.

I sent a really lengthy letter with the SA request to begin with, I don't even have a clue where to start with this appeal letter. As for further reports how can I give a date for when these will be handed in (as it states in the IPSEA appeal pack) if I haven't even got around to booking any appointments yet?

The biggest PITA is the fact I have no reports whats so ever from the educational psychologist!

I apologize I know I am hard work

'The biggest PITA is the fact I have no reports whats so ever from the educational psychologist!'

This is in your favour. You are requesting a SA to get this.

It's a hard one to get your head around but lack of evidence can't be used to refuse a SA. They almost have to provide the evidence that you don't need one, which without an EP report they'll find harder.

And all that stuff you sent with your application is probably enough for an appeal to be granted, and possibly even won.

Don't say anything about future reports only that should you get any, you'll supply them ASAP.

Your not hard work - the system is. I had to fill in a appeal form from send. Nothing went it with that except my new private salt. Next I have to say I am going by December. I just said more evidence to follow. I could email you the send request form but you need to post ASAP! Let me know if I can help

You have nothing to lose because if your appeal is refused you can apply for a SA the very next day and appeal after 6 weeks again.

Though obviously you'd be unwise to do that without any new evidence.

2boys think I have the SEND form in my pile of paperwork PP told me to print off....will have a look, it's going to be a late night!

starlight I get it now! So the appeal can be turned down and we can start afresh. Now I'm not panicking as much, thought it was a 'one shot' then all over jobbie.

No you can apply as many times as you want. Just until the new law comes in September....

Thanks 2boys

One more question!

If the appeal is unsuccessful, Is the information originally provided by me filed and forgot about or will this be dug out again if I was to request a SA again?