Can I ask an ignorant question about private LSAs in state schools?

[Bink]

Do these happen?

Background: ds, 8, yr 4, started off at m/s private school, now in private supported unit (academically able, social/communication difficulties, no diagnosis though we're going to do another assessment (and, because of no diagnosis, no statement - might pursue that again too)) with idea of being fed back into m/s private. Likeliest m/s private has now said they'd take him only with a full-time shadow, which we'd have to pay for on top.

So I was wondering if whether state m/s would allow parents to provide their own shadow. Has anyone heard of this?

Hi, I used to work as a learning support assistant in both primary and secondary sector (state Schools)a few years ago. I was employed by the LEA and never met anyone who wasn't. I think your best bet would be to speak with your local council's learning support team who should be aware of any LSA who is being employed privately - if there are any!

I think that parents, subject to CRB check, could probably have acted as their child's shadow.

It could also be worthwhile speaking with your local CAB. Where I live there is a full time advisor who deals with learning support, funded by the council but working on behalf of the parents.

I hope that helps!

Hi, Id also be really interested if anyone has any knowledge of this. DS 9 (yr 5) - like your son Bink is very academically able, but with social and communication difficulties. We have an unoffical dx of aspergers, and we are on the waiting list for a proper assessment.

DS has had 1:1 support for 2 hours aday since May. This is with emergency funding from the LEA and is set to finish next month. We have just had his propsed statement (we have got one without a DX so def worth you pursuing), however there is no provision for any 1:1 support on this.

DS is only in school for 3 hours a day, and is doing brilliantly, but only because he has this 1:1 support. I am under no illusions that as soon as his (wonderful) TA leaves we will be back to the old problems.

It had occurred to me fund this support myself when it is withdrawn as I can see how much it is helping DS.

Sorry to nick your post Bink, but would be really interested in any replies too.

Yes please celia xx

Many thanks, Celia - yes do please report back. And thank you Linda too - this is just the start of my information-gathering ...

And Sarah - hi, I don't think we've "met" before - delighted to have you in on the question!

Hi Bink! Long time no hear - the dreamers thread seems to have sunk into abeyance. I've been posting more on SEN about DS1 -his dreaminess has decreased but his academic problems remain, so seems more appropriate somehow.

Anyway, as far as your question is concerned, in my experience the system of sending a 'shadow' into school is mainly done by parents who are doing an ABA programme with their child (usually on the autistic spectrum). Some are funded by the parents, some by the LEA (usually after a lengthy battle, often going to tribunal). The role of the shadow (in ABA terms) is to support the child as much as he/she needs and to provide a link with the home prgramme. The shadow then gradually withdraws as the child becomes more independent.

We are trying to get this for DS2 when he starts m/s - atm the idea is that the school provide the LSA, who will then do part of her training with us at home. Have to get the school to agree to it though!

I know Electra's DD has a shadow in m/s state school - maybe she'll be along.

I know of 2 children in a state school with private, parent-supplied and trained LSAs. The children are both on the autistic spectrum and I think the LSAs withdraw them from the class quite frequently. I don't know any more details, I'm afraid.

Hi sphil - yes - to be honest I've withdrawn a bit from the dreamers' thread as part of its raison d'etre (I think) is to be generally heartening about maturing and "older dreamers" - and just now I can't be doing that as I'd like.

The idea of somebody who provides a link with home, and supports strictly only to the extent necessary, withdrawing as much as possible wherever there's a sign of growing independence, is exactly what I'd want. Singersgirl, your confirmation is perfect: it does happen, so now I will try and see if I can do that.

DS1 had two LSAs when he was at school, one provided by the LA and one by the Kent Autistic Trust, so you must be able to "mix and match" providers.