Schools letter supporting statement request

[Skylar123]

I am applying for SA for my Ds , I asked the school to write me a supporting letter to add to my initial application as they offered to apply on my behalf when I told them I was doing it.
I have got the letter today and it makes no mention of Ds's difficulties at school, it mentions lots about his difficulties I have discussed with them at home and parts of the paeds report that we got before Ds dx. There is nothing about his academic struggles or his poor social functioning or his communication difficulties.
Surely if the letter is to support a statement request for special educational needs the content of this letter won't help.
The letter ends with we think that Ds's behaviour at home may extend to school. That's it.
Ds has not done a full day at school for over a week consequetively and has been late several times a week since November his attendance has gone from 97% to 81% and still falling. He is not going to sch because he is anxious and stressed about it.
Shall I just not bother sending this letter I can't see how it will help.

I could do that claw and I may well do.
I am going into our next meeting whenever they can be bothered to be concerned for Ds not being at school
I have listed all of his difficulties as per his reports for SA recently and I also need to list all of the recommendations given. His dx pyschologist said amongst other things that 1:1 support in playground essential and 1:1 support in classroom for at least one hour per day plus group support sessions. Ds gets no 1:1 in playground or class. He really needs it, it's becoming obvious now.

Sky, you have to be careful and only ask the questions, if you already know the answer or you could come unstuck.

For example OT had recommended that ds needed weekly direct input from sensory trained OT, sensory programme designed by OT and TA to be trained by OT in delivering it etc. EP that ds needed 15 hours 1:1. SALT direct SALT input etc and so on and on. All stuff that school could not possibly provide from within their own budget/resources. They couldn't just write back saying 'cant meet needs', so they offered something as alternatives.

You don't want them thinking its just a case that school could do more.

If you don't have the recommendations at the moment, you are probably better off just using the letter you have (at a later date) to show that your ds's needs are complex and needs SA in order for everyone to understand his needs and probably needs a statement.

I think they will say the school can do more and no statement

Perhaps they will but worrying about it will not change their decision.

And if they do refuse, you appeal.

Hoenestly - forget all about it for a day or so.

They very likely will. So what?

They said that my child had no SALT issues and presenting typically. He now attends a SALT Independent Specialist School.

Yeah your both right . I'm
Going to have a nice half term with the kids.

When is this half-term thing (so I can avoid Primark? )

Hahaha you make me laugh!!! Next week

some of you know my story

ds's shrink referral has been knocked back, now I'm homeschooling, DS's anxiety is fine. When he was at school it was a totally different story.

OP you have my sympathy.

Sky, they cant say no statement, just no to SA! Look at it like stages, you are not asking for a statement as such you are asking for them to assess your ds, as once assessed he will need a statement!

Most of us apply for SA fully expecting a refusal. Have a nice half term, relax and avoid Primark!