Need to write a letter to the LEA and dont know where to start!

[Nattynoos]

Hi all

My son has attention difficulties and specific learning difficulties and demonstrates problems in all 3 areas of the autistic spectrum. His clinical psychologist is also saying that this, with his ADHD and his morbid anxiety that exist,(as well as everything else!) explains the reason for the widening gulf between him and his peers.

We were then told that we can write to the LEA to request a statutory assessment of educational needs, which we did and we have since received a letter back asking us our views on our sons special educational needs particularly with regards to our views on the current educatinal provision being made for him in school and the degree to which we have been involved in decisions concerning such provision.

Can anyone help us with this letter as we just dont know where to start, and we dont want to put the wrong things down which will end up with him not getting the help he so desparatley needs.

TIA

Nattynoos

Have a look at ISPEA's website if you have not already done so:-

www.ipsea.org.uk

There are model letters on there you can use and they also have a helpline number. If you do call them best time I have found is early afternoon or as soon as they open in the morning.

HTH

Thanks Attila

I will have a look at the website.

Nattynoos

You may also find the ACE website helpful. www.ace-ed.org.uk It has several helpful booklets to download loak at the free booklets for families section.
I pointed out that my son was loosing skills and there were safety issues and he needed more help than his school could give him via action+ and all the specialist advise already given. Avoid being too positive - it is a parents natural way but try and get a true balance and point out the difficult stuff. HTH I found it very daunting too!

look even!

Thanks Magso that website is amazing!

I totally agree with you it is very daunting - im sat here now thinking what the hell am i going to write in my views as to what his difficulties are...where do i start!!!

My sons school have not been very helpful at all and i have had may a run in with the Senco regarding his problems which they are refusing to believe he has and this has been going on since he was in Foundation - he is in year 4 now! I have never even been told if he is on achool action plus? Could you tell me more about that?

Nattynoos

Hi electra

Thank you so much for replying.

Ive been questioning myself for ages regarding this...i know that i am doing the right thing trying to get a statement for my son but the Senco is just so unprofessional even to the point of discussing other children in my son's class who have, in her words not mine 'so called special needs' that require more help than my son even though i know full well that he is struggling!

I think i will take your advice and ignore her, but it is so frustrating when schools just bury their heads in the sand when childrens problems are staring them in the face and they choose to ignore them!

Nattynoos

Sadly schools often have their hands tied -the staff are employees of the LEA and have to 'tow the partyline' particularly where money and resourses are concerned. It took me a while to realise that! Sounds like you have been struggling for even longer.