Statement review - Do you know if I can do this?

[macwoozy]

I wonder if any of you wise lot might know the answer to this.

My ds is unofficially in a MS junior school attached language unit. He joined the school in September with the intention of being in a MS class, but it was pretty clear that he couldn't cope there. The language unit is not stated on the statement, and I worry that come the new school year in September he could possibly get booted out(influx of children etc and the fact he doesn't fit the criteria, in that he does have language problems but emotional, social and behavioural difficulties outweigh the language difficulties).

His head said she wanted to bring the statement review in earlier(review in July), because he needed more hours. Can I, as the parent bring in the review earlier to request that the unit is on the statement, or do I have to wait until the review date(which is in July - by which time it might be too late)before I can request this? Or are the school able to do this?

no you can request a statement review at any time.

the review will be bought forward and you can raise the issue of the SAL unit being formally recognised on his statement.
if he is needing extra hours as well, on top of his support from teh unit theni can't see there being much of a fight to prevent it being placed n the statement.

Well that's good to hear, I did worry that maybe only the school could ask for an earlier review.

Thanks

I think you can ask to bring the review date forward. IPSEA should have information about this subject (asking for an earlier review) on their website (www.ipsea.org.uk).

Good luck!!.

Asking your LEA to arrange an early review of your child?s Statement

When can I ask for an early review?

At any time, as long as you have a good reason. The LEA must arrange a review of the Statement at least once every year. But if you believe that there is an urgent need for a change to your child?s Statement you should ask for a review to be arranged as soon as possible.

What would be a good reason for asking for an early review?
You should ask for an early review if you believe:
? that your child?s needs have changed and are no longer accurately described in Part 2 of the Statement; or
? that the provision in Part 3 of the Statement is no longer meeting your child?s needs.

Should I speak to the school first?
Yes, definitely. Speak to your child?s class teacher and the Headteacher about your worries as well as writing to the LEA.
What if the school offers to write on my behalf?
It is fine for the school to write as well as you if they believe that an early review is needed. But you should also write, as the parent.

Who should I write to?
Write to the top person at the LEA, usually called the Chief Education Officer or the Director of Education. You can find out what the top person is called in your LEA by asking at the school or the local library.
Remember: keep a copy of any letter you send and ring IPSEA if you don?t get a reply after four weeks or if you want further advice.

I think there is a model letter on their website you can use re this matter too.

HTH

Thanks Attila, that is a big help