Cutlery etc

[Meplusyouequals6]

Hi all, just wondering what cutlery you all us with your children with SN, DD1 (age 10)has PMLD with birth defects that effect the grip she has on things.
She currently uses the tommee tippee first explora cutlery and munchkin bowls and plates with high sides.
However DD2 (age 5) uses a regular side plate and regular cutlery, and DD1 has commented a few times on how DD2 gets to use proper stuff and she doesn't. So I want to get DD1 something that looks a little more like what DD2 uses so she doesn't feel so different. I've tried her with the same things as DD2 and she really struggles to get the food on the fork or spoon and in to her mouth.
We also have another daughter who is 2 and uses the same munchkin bowls and plates as DD1 and I think DD1 has become very aware that fact.
Any ideas?
TIA

Caring cutlery do a children's version which may be a good next step on from Tommee Tippee cutlery.

I don't know if the sides would be high enough or if one would be likely to be broken but would a pasta bowl work in place of a plate? DD2 could also use them in place of a plate so DD1 feels the same.

Have you had recent OT input? I'm sure they would have several suggestions. Or ask DD1's school what other pupils use.

Google "daily living aids UK" and you should find lots of more grown up options for adapted cutlery etc. I wouldn't look for kids' things, look for something suitable for adults.

@10brokengreenbottles DD1 goes to a mainstream school,and has packed lunches so she takes her own cutlery with her. She hadn't seen her OT in 2 years! I've contacted the service but they are not doing appointments even telephone ones until at least September. A pasta bowl would definitely be worth trying as I already carry her plates etc for her to the table. Where can I get caring cutlery, does it have a chunky grip?
@slothsrock she is very small for her age she wears age 5-6 clothes and I think anything for an adult would be too difficult for her to handle, due to length.

DD2 is big for her age, wearing cloths size 7-8, 4 shoe sizes bigger and being a whole 19cm taller than DD1. So she is much more comfortable with adult cutlery.

I am very sorry I assumed DD1 attended SS.

Junior Caring cutlery here. They have chunkier handles and are moulded to help with finger placement.

When googling for a link to post I also saw Kura Care junior cutlery which look similar.

An updated OT assessment would be a good idea as she approaches transition to secondary so once things have calmed down I would push for one.

@10brokengreenbottles it's OK, in my opinion she needs SS but we have been pushing this since year 1 but as we approach year 6 I don't see it happening till high school for her, even though she is functioning as a EYFS student! And has been in a reception class setting for 2 years! They won't put her in a SS because her school 'can cope' she does have a EHCP with 25 hours learning support and 5 hours social support, so she does get a lot of help in her mainstream school.
Amazing thank you so much I will get her some of these and see if this changes her mood.
I'm definitely going to push for a new assessment in her transition year.

IPSEA have a template letter asking for a reassessment of needs.

If you want to name a SS and DD1 is at EYFS level and not accessing class with her peers then you would stand a good chance if the LA forced you to tribunal. It's not just about whether the school are coping. If the LA say their schools are "full" (and being full isn't a good enough reason on its own to refuse admission) look at independent or non maintained and the LA may find a space.

Thanks, I'll have a look at that. We have named a school on 3 separate occasions and been told they are too full and that she doesn't meet the requirements each time. We have even got her paediatrician to write a letter backing us up on her need for a SS and still been turned down, because they SS are full and the school is coping with her needs. She is a really small class only 22 children including her they have a class teacher and 2 TA's plus her 1:1 so she is well supervised and supported. DD2 goes to a different mainstream school in the area and she is in a reception class of 32 and only one teacher and one TA, she is doing better than expected for her age group so it's now starting to really show just how much of an age gap there is for DD1. I've noticed it more and more with the ability they both have while I have been home schooling recently.
I just wish DD1's school was more supportive of the move to a SS than they have been.

IPSEA and SOSEN both have lots of useful resources online and have advice lines. They would be good to talk to. As long as the school isn't a none section 41 independent school the only reasons the LA can refuse your placement request are if

• "The setting is unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs (“SEN”) of the child or young person; or
• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education for others; or
• The attendance of the child or young person would be incompatible with the efficient use of resources."

As I said above being "full" isn't a good enough reason on its own. They have to show that admitting would be incompatible with efficient education. If your LA schools are full start looking out of area and at independent and NMSS, when you try to name a more expensive option the LA may backtrack.

Sorry for derailing from your original question.