Need Some Help Please?

[BWN2012]

My son is in year 6 and at 9 years old was diagnosed with ASD traits. Main issues at school are lack of focus and poor handwriting. The school applied for 5 hours per week of one-to-one support for him, I've just heard this has been turned down. His SENCO said they could re-apply but the panel said that there was insufficient evidence that my son was achieving below his potential. Apparently this is really difficult to prove as his Non-Verbal score was very low (What does that mean??). Although the SENCO believes this is not an accurate assessment of my sons ability she can't prove this to panel at the moment. She has said that the Education Physcologist could do a full intellectual assessment next month to support reapplying to panel. I'm so depressed thinking of his future. How do I help him? I want him to be happy.

Is he happy?

Hi BWN. What support does your DS get at the moment for his needs?

I'm not clear why the school are applying to 'Panel' to get your DS 5 hours of 1 to 1 support a week. As far as I know, the school have to met the cost of the first £6000 of support before they can get additional funding from the LA.

It's good that the EP is going to assess your DS- but the school are responsible for supporting him even if they haven't got that full picture of his needs.

Are you applying for secondary school this term?

Yes he is happy, I just worry about his future and his confidence.
He gets 2 x 30 minutes session per week via the school, to help with handwriting etc. His reading, spelling and social skills are pretty good. I didn't know about the £6,000 rule. (We are in Wales) The school say they cant resource anymore time.
He is my eldest child and I have no idea how to push forward for support. I just feel like I go from meeting to meeting without getting anywhere.

I don't know the system in Wales _ a quick google shows that you don't have the system of Education Health and Care Plans that we now have in England. The rule about how much support the school has to fund before the LA will provide additional funding may be different.

I found this organisation - they have a helpline. I'd give them a ring so they you have a clearer idea of 'the system' and that will make you feel a bit more in control of getting your DS all the support he needs.

PS I'm glad your DS is happy and it sounds as if you are doing what you can to keep it that way.

Thank you I've just ring them and they were really helpful. They explained the funding streams etc.