would you ask an LA EP to specify and quanitify their report?

[bjkmummy]

given they have issued a NIL as well. the report is wishy washy and says things like:-

additional adult support that is deployed flexibly and tactfully to coordinate the differentiation of curriculum materials and to support the response to curriculum delivery (then goes on to give whole long list of things which is just pure jargon)

a literacy programme that builds upon and further develops emerging skills

a spelling programme so that she is able to develop written response to the curriculum and write and spell accurately in a clear and legible cursive style

a handwriting programme so she can develop an understanding off letter formation and directionality, where to start and which way to go with the pen

staff recognising that judgements about learning based solely on the ability to respond in writing to curriculum material and may underestimate levels of thinking and understanding

a numeracy programme to consolidate emerging concept of number and which leads to a better understanding of the rudiments of arithmetic. use of colour coded materials may be helpful as may be the provison of aids and equipment to support calculation. such a programme should include visual prompts to learning and remembering

a focus on the development of attention and concentration skills. a workstation approach or a carrel may be helpful, an area of reduced distraction used as an aid to learning not sanction

working in a supervised small group, pairing and one to one situation with an adult on thinking skills packages

so nothing says how often and with who this should be happening - it also says that all of this should be in addition to the schools usual arrangements for children with sen.

it also at the end states that for monitoring IEPs should be drawn up and annual reviews scheduled in line with the requirements of the code of practice.

I didn't see the EP report until the NIL came - I don't see if I do challenge the report that the EP will change anything given that a NIL has been issued but then if its not quanitified how can they say exactly how much help she needs or should I just leave it as the appeal has now been lodged and if it ends up at tribunal the EP will have to explain it all to the panel anyway. someone has just mentioned to me that it may be wise to do it but not sure if its helpful to do it or not hence why im asking the question.

sent the appeal off this morning special delivery so will be there tomorrow. I really need now margo sharps report to come through but no sign yet and I have a feeling that she maybe away

Hi bjkmummy
Usually the report is circulated to parents at the same time it's sent to SEN and any other professionals. If you've only just received it after the LA has made a decision that's fundamental and won't look good at tribunal. Parents have a right to respond to reports from professionals and imo this puts you in a better position to negotiate now.
As you have concerns that the recommendations aren't specific enough I think you could contact the EP (cc SEN) to say you'd like to discuss the report with a view to clarifying the suggested provision: as well as her recommendation that it's additional to the usual arrangements for SEN, you'd like to know frequency, group or individual, differentiated work or bespoke intervention for each of the areas, because you want to be clear about provision you expect him to be receiving in September with the NIL when you meet with your child's teachers in the new term. I don't think this is unreasonable. You could then ask the EP to add the additional points discussed to the report. This wouldn't be changing professional opinion it's just providing clarity on what's already been written. If they don't agree to change it take notes on what is recommended at the meeting.
You could then present this to SEN and ask them to reconsider their decision to issue a statement/plan.

that's how it is in my LA marie - got two other statemented children and the LA EP report is only ever seen by parents once they get the proposed statement/NIL so its interesting to hear that its not the norm in other areas. I am going to get an indie report - I will speak to the EP I have instructed tomorrow and see what she says as she is phoning me in the morning.

the other thing is that it is more or less word for word on the recommendations to that of her twin brother who is statemented and got 25 hours at this stage on the same advice from the EP - granted the placement later broke down and hes now in an indie school but that's another story!

would be interesting to know how other areas work with their EP reports as well

I only recieved the LA EP report once the draft statement had been issued, despite me asking for it once it was finalised and sent to the LA. The EP said that I wasnt allowed a copy untill the LA had seen it! yet I received all the other reports - slt, ot etc as they were finalised.

I would ask the EP for clarification regarding the provision. You can then add this to your case statement as the tribunal like the parents to negotiate with the LA. If the EP refuses to specify, you can also highlight this to the tribunal.

yes without a doubt should be quantified etc. Mine was not either so before tribunal i re wrote it with advice from independant therapists as they know the type of qualifications etc staff should have and the time required or programme names that are the most suitable. It is legally meant to be like that and they know. It would not get through tribunal without details. Code of practice states there should be no chance it should be open to interpretation. it must be clear and detailed.

We recieved copies of the reports direct from the Proffs who wrote them.

All except the school one which was utter crap and inaccurate!

No specified or quantified anything in any of ours