Whats your opinion on percentage of children classed as SEN?

[SMOTMUM]

Quick question for you ... whats your thoughts on a mainstream primary school having 23% of pupils classed as needing SEN support? The 3 schools closest hav from 5% to 11% which sounded probably about right. My son goes to the school with 23% and the school has put in an application for further funding for him. I have askes to see a copy of thr application and upon reading it am surprised by most of the content evem down to the fact they have got his name totally wrong (anither name not just mispelt!). The school is not doing well and they are struggling financially, TA cut backs, reception has gome from two class in take to 1. Just wondered what your thoughts were. Thank you and hope that all makes sense!

Are you worried they are making it up? I can't imagine any LA would fund extra support unless it was needed so I doubt any school would be making up SEN.
Sorry if I've misunderstood what you are saying
Do you think your son needs extra support?

I think % can be very perculiar in small intakes in that one child is a big %

Do you feel your son is struggling ?

I think using the incorrect name is very unprofessional however and if you have concerns about the school in general you should consider that too.

Thanks for your quick replies. Yes he is struggling. Long story cut short. I have no confidence in the school. We are on 3rd head teacher and 3rd senco sinve my son started -he is now year 4. Last years senco said she didnt put him in category of additional funding. This years senco does and has submitted the application. Theres things in there they have never raised with me which i find it hard to believe tbh. Also thanks I get the point re percentages but I thought thats why they are shown in percentage as you can compare schools irrespective of number of pupils ... or maybe ive got that wrong

Do you have the option to move schools?
Good that they are looking to get him more support though. I wouldn't be concerned about percentages tbh as all that would matter to me were whether they were meeting my child's needs and if they aren't then that needs tackling.
Are they things you are surprised they haven't told you or things you don't believe are true?

It doesnt sound like they have been communicating very well with you. Its very hard to get any support /money from LAs so i would take it as a positive that thry are trying.
Does the application sound anything like your child ? Or is it a bit that has been cut and paste from another report (this happened to my child a few times)
I suppose a starting point would be discussing eith the new senco the areas that have never been raised before and dont seem right