Naming a school part 4 statement

[Skylar123]

Can you help me so I know I'm doing this right please. I am considering naming a new school for Ds under part 4 of his proposed statement.

One of the schools I'm interested in won't let me come visit as they have no places and are requesting that I go through the normal in year admission process.

I have explained I am considering their school to be named in statement and I cannot do so until I have looked round and spoken with senco.

I think I only have 15 days to do this unless I meet with LA to discuss which then buys me another 15 days, I don't want to meet with LA tbh.

I am currently making amendments to statement.

Perhaps if the school won't even let me in to look around it isn't the right school anyway.

I would not be wanting my child to go to a school that would not allow the parent to visit in advance and instead telling you to go through the normal admissions process. Sounds to me like they do not want him there at all.

What amendments are you making to the statement?. How poor is this proposed document?. If it is neither specified or quantified in terms of support offered it needs to be rejected in any case.

Have you spoken to IPSEA about the contents of Parts 2 and 3 because these really have to be bang on. Speaking to IPSEA would be a good idea anyway and they now have a callback service www.ipsea.org.uk.

Hi attila
I'm not calling that school again as clearly try are not interested. Shame as I had heard good things and ofsted sounded promising.
With regards to amendments it's nothing much just needs to be less vague really. I'm getting some help with is as I don't have a clue. I'm also going to call Ipsea.
I'm concerned with having to name a school within 15 days which is actually next weds. I can't rush it, I have two schools in mind but can't get to see them both by next weds.
Do I have to name a school on part 4 in order for the statment to be finalised - can it be left blank. As long as the school in mind has a place available can I not just move him myself. Sorry I'm really confused.
Ds school have suddenly started getting very funny so it's only been recently that I've been thinking about moving him otherwise I would have stated the looking at schools process when I applied for SA.

You can ask them to name a type of school if you haven't made your mind up. However, they might just go ahead and name their choice of school, probably the current one, if you do that.

Thanks ici so if they name the school Ds is at am I allowed to move him through normal in year admissions? Or do we have to stay at the named school?

Another question , can I just move him to another school before the statement is finalised baring in mind it could take 8 weeks.

Did you speak to the secretary, the HT or the senco?

For the sch that won't let me in? I spoke to secretary three times , asked to speak to senco, wouldn't let me! Passed a message on from head to say have to go through normal admissions even tho I explained everything.

star can I change my Ds school whilst awaiting final statement. I'm currently making changes to the proposed one. Can I put in part 4. Tbc.

Write to the Headteacher stating private and confidential, requesting to visit the school. Give your phone number.

You can put in part 4 'Mainstream school that is able to work in partnership with ds' ABA Team'.

Sorry. Not asking for ABA, so whatever provision you need to have written in to part 3.

If you want to ensure it isn't current school make sure you say something that would disqualify it such as ds must be educated in a mainstream small school where all staff get to know his needs quickly or whatever.

They'll ignore it btw and either put 'any mainstream' or name their choice but if you appeal then placement can change then.

Thanks star . I can get Ds into new school in the next two weeks through in year admissions. Am I allowed to do this at this stage of the statementing process? I could then put that school down on part 4 and return before the 15 day deadline next weds. Although I would have already got him into the school.

Or i could leave it blank and they will prob say that Ds carries on where he is, fine for now. Does that mean that legally he has to stay where he is? Can I not just move him when I have decided what school would be better as tbh I'm
Still a little unsure.

You can, but tbh I would talk to IPSEA about the implications. I doubt you'd be tied to anything but it could create a right ole mess if you're not careful or it doesn't turn out to be what you want. It could also make a bit of a mess of the witnesses/reports if you need to appeal.

so just clarify with them or another expert charity.

I think you can change the school after a period of time. It is at least a year but you'll need to check that.

Basically what I am asking is do I lose my rights to apply for a place at any other school through normal admissions process because we are going through the statement process. Perhaps I Could name the school he is at for now and then move him when time is right and both Ds and I have had time to look round schools in question. This is likely to be before statement is finalised.

Thanks star. So it looks like I have until next week to decide and submit my changes to draft statement. Blimey. Will have to stay where we are then. I can't risk a rushed decision. Fffssss

When it's named on the statement you have to stay there for a period of time, which I think is a year. If you are appealing the statement then he'll remain where he is until after appeal when you may well have changed your mind completely as appeals kind of do that in terms of unearthing the truth about both need and placement.

I guess another option would be to not send in changes and name preferred school by next weds but to request a meeting with LA to buy some more time? Would that work. Least then I could get to look at the other school I'm interested in, not the one mentioned above and talk to Ds as he is aprehensive about leaving his current school. Is it fair to move Ds if he isn't keen?

Sorry cross posted. In reply to your post above.
So I can for now name current school as preferred school, then if La refuse to make amendments, def needs amending, then I go to appeal and then I can change preferred school after appeal? If they agree amendments we stay where we are for at least one year.

Children aren't keen on lots of things when they don't know the alternatives/consequences. That's why they have parents. You have to weight up the whole scenario, taking his feelings into account of course.

I'm currently removing my child with ASD from a school where he has FRIENDS. Can you imagine how awful I feel about that?

Yes. That is what I think, though actually you may be able to move if they agree it, in the early weeks before they have implemented the amendments.

But please check it out. I've been paying less attention to the outgoing rules recently and I'm not very clear on the incoming ones.

Ok thanks star. I need a crystal ball!
The school said today to Ds that Ds was no longer allowed to take his gadget in to settle before the other children come In at 8:50. Just stopped it just like that. Haven't said it to me yet, I will blow when they do. it's in his proposed statement and will be in the final one. Wtf is wrong with these people!
Good luck with your move for your Ds. I hope it works out. Thank you for taking the time to help me