ANOTHER question about SA :)

[PrinceRogersNelson]

I am asking another question about my DD and the statement process.
I have had a look at IPSEA and I think I know what I want to do, but would like a check please?

OK, so I have DD draft statement and I have SALT and OT in part 3 which is good, but the SALT is very little and the OT is very weak.

So - I have met with school and discussed and there are a couple of things that we want taken out as they are not useful to DD and I want to ask for more SALT and better and more defined OT.

I have to do this by 31 December which is a pain as it gets rather in the way of Christmas and I just want to enjoy my family rather than think about this bloody statement.

So should I write to them and say that I want to meet to discuss - this would mean all I have to do is write a letter which is good in the short term, but would mean I need to meet with them which I really don't want to do. I worry I will be bullied and will back down

Or do I write to them this weekend outlining what I want changed? It will mean more work this weekend, but am hoping it will mean I won't have to meet with them.

Does anyone have any advice as to what is best to do?

You can write to them and say OAt and SALT is bollocks, please amend, without you yourself specifying. When they amend you get another go.
Of course they coukd finalise the statement, in which case you can appeal. This means negotiations can be ongoing and doesn't actually mean a hearing.

Or you can write and simply say that you don't agree but will forward your wording after the deadline and give a date. As long as no one can say later that you're inconsistent it doesn't really matter.

Thank you. Such a minefield. I will write this weekend, saying what I think is rubbish and stating again what I would like. It is a rather exhausting process isn't it?

Yep. I guess it's made that way on purpose.

I would write, but they won't entertain changing anything without "evidence" which could mean highlighting sections of reports etc but if you can't back up a letter with written evidence you'll need a meeting. Good luck x

I have a private SALT report from SALT who had worked with DD for 10 months stating she needs 45 mins per week from a qualified SALT. I also have private EP stating same thing.

DD has been given in the draft SA once a term SALT visits that should be 3 hours where the SALT will observe DD, devise a programme and train staff to deliver programme.

I just don't think this will provide DD with the level of support she needs to make progress.

I do see your point Manish and believe me it is tempting to just pay ourselves, but it would be at least £200/ month for what she needs.

I do wonder sometimes what the hell we are fighting for. If the lea are offering you the above then that's basically nothing. I think it's worth fighting that, so far you have out no money down. What's to lose? At this point some more stress that's all

The reports are from August this year and were done for the statement request. I am considering getting a new one done for appeal though.

I didn't think you could re do assessment within six months for slt? They are invalid? You could possibly do two different slt assessments but I would check with a slt

Oh really? I will talk to SLT on Monday.

My slt said she couldn't reassess my son - until she discovered his assessment was only a part clef. She could then do another part. Best to check anyway before you pay out. Your slt will know what is / isn't valid

To be honest with you I feel more stressed and confused than I have before!

I will just have to try my best with what I have and what I know.

Don't feel stressed. It's like a big iceberg - or defrosting your freezer! Chip away at it bit by bit. Start by having a chat with your slt about when they can re assess that's a good a starting point as anywhere.

Ask if she / he still backs up the weekly input, are they willing to put that on paper. If yes then maybe that's good enough to go back to get into the statement.

But I really don't know. It seems to me that would cost nothing to ask and little to get a new report. If you loose that appeal you loose the cost of a newer assessment - £200? Ish.

Thanks 2boys, I appreciate your reply; I know you are having a tough time even getting an assessment done.

I agree one step at a time, and I started this thread just about the next step which was wether to write or call. Then it seemed to move in and I got overwhelmed about the step after and the one after that and hoping that I haven't shot myself in the foot by getting reports too soon.