Ds in catch 22-his learning difficulty isn't severe enough for statement/support but he still needs HELP! What to do, go private for smaller class size??

[MissChief]

Any advice much appreciated! Ds diagnosed with significant symtoms of ADHD/Dyspraxia, but as he's not falling behind the average for his age (yr2), he won't be statemented and won't get the in-class support that the (private) ed psych has told us he needs. What do we do other than work with school, persuade them to release the TA to work with him now & then and of course provide back-up at home. I'm wondering if we should go private simply to get the smaller class size and therefore more 1:1 attention from teaching staff. Any views?experience??

My DS has severe behaviour problems but no DX and has always been a bright boy and not been behind at school. We had a fight to get a statement BUt we proved that despite DS being bright and above average intelligence he still needed support, a year on we have 32.5 hours of support. It really is worht the fight becasue you really have nothing to lose.

Hmm, before you go private consider www.bibic.org.uk, from my experience (2 SN ds's) I would recommend- great way of supporting them (and the paperwork is tres useful should you apply for a statement at some future point...)

The system really does let the kids like yours down a lot, have youa ctually tried to get a statement? Always worth a shot imo (I thought we had no hope and ds1 gets 10 hours).

Private dosn't guarantee smaller calsses sadly, so be aware if viewing any- also be aware of atitudes to sport etc, as dyspraxic kids often hate PE but someprivates I know focus on it overly. If you can afford it though might be worth viewing, but would seriously suggest getting the BIBIC pack first

our experience of the independent sector (DS1 with ASD) was a disaster. Two weeks into a 'loving & nurturing' pre-prep DS1 was practically kicked out. Most independent schools pay lip service to SEN, so check carefully what awareness, training and support they are willing to give. They are not bound by the SEN Code of Practice, although the Disability Discrimination Act still applies (most don't realise this though).

thanks all, food for thought. How do we fight for a statement though? Any tips? We've been told categorically by head, SEN co-ordinator, his teacher and also by ed psych. How do we get one then? Sorry if it's a stupid qu but don't know how to work the system! I'll check out bibic, thanks, not heard of before though have seen dyscovery centre etc. One school we're looking at (privately) does have much smaller classes, so will chec it out.

there's loads of people on here use bibic.

everybody said no to ds1 getting a statement (they told us he didnt have any issues, he has haf/as, severe dyslexia and other more minor issues). we ignored the, he has a statement now, support coming in from the dyslexia support service, a dx and dla. ignore the school etc.

have a look at the ipsea website, standard letters for statement applications

I was too told by ed psych/school/senco that DS did not need a statement and i put in request anyway! Lea turned down request for assessment so we appealed and won, now he has full time support. Do oyu have a parent partnership scheme in your area? they can help with statement applications.

ok, thanks, will check that out.

Miss Chief,

Were you advised not to apply by the Head etc.
Hmmm in this is the case.

You can apply for the statement yourself and do not need school's agreement to do this. IPSEA's website have model letters you can use for this purpose. IPSEA and SOS'SEN are good to have on side. I would not personally use Parent Partnership as they are not fully independent (they are often funded by the LEA!).

I would also advise not to go to the private sector as they pay scant attention to many SEN.

You have nothing to lose by writing to ask to have your child assessed. You're also better off applying for it now rather than say in a year or two's time. If the LEA say no which is likely you can appeal. School have no such right. Any such application therefore must come from you as his parents.

Can I play devil's advocate. If he is not falling behined then why does he need the support? (I'm sure there are lots of good reasons but that is the question that the school and the LEA will be asking). If he is doing well academically and is behaviourally coping then the likelihood of getting a statement is bleak as the school are 'providing for his needs'. If, however, he is only doing well because you are doing tons of stuff with him at home or he is constantly in trouble etc, then that gives you more of a case. There is a limited pot of funds (regretfully) and LEAs will not give statements on a 'what if' scenario. I've been teaching now 11 years and when I first started ADHD kids were statemented but thinking about it the last one I taught who had a statement was about 9 years ago. Likewise with dyspraxia (my son is dyspraxic) if his needs are me via support and access to a laptop, etc, strucutred and differentiated work and the school can prove this then you are on a losing wicket. If, however, you have proof that they are not meeting his needs and he DOES need 1 to 1 support or some specialist provision (go for OT - its transformed my dyspraxics life) that is not being provided for but needs to be then go for it but be prepared for a massive battle.

Private schools can be very iffy about SEN kids. They will be OK as long as academically bright and not behaviourally tricky. There are private special schools out there - although even some of them don't want kids that are 'too special' but several do deal with dyspraxia and dyslexia and they might be worth a look.

All the best.

oh they will give them on a what if..

mine said what if ds1 hurts someone badly (i would be forced to hold the LEA negligent and would consider action)

if needs must...

(he's behind now but wasn't then)