DD's Annual Review Today - requesting a change from dual placement to FT Special School - any tips please?

[PheasantPlucker]

Hi all, It is becoming clear that dd is really struggling at MS 3 days per week, so we want her ft in a specail school from Sept. The one we really like is outside borough - but so is the one she currently attends 2 days per week.

Historically our borough has always resisted sending children outside borough, but we feel there is no adequate provision withing borough. I went to visit an in-borough school for children with MLD, but they have no nursing/medical provision. (dd has Cp, epilepsy with breakthrough seizures and hydrocephalus with a VP shunt - some of you very kindly gave me advice and suport when dd underwent an emergency shunt revision in August) I feel it cannot be suitable, is that argument enough, ie she is potentially vulnerable?

Does anyone have any tips please. I am dreading the Review later!

Thanks.

hi i have no tips but sending you hugs and luck with reveiw xx

Actually no, it is easier to move to ms - because every child has a legal 'right' to mainstream education so the LEA would have to prove that it would affect other children adversely to refuse a mainstream placement.

There's no such right to specialist education unfortunately.

you might be surprised PP. We moved from mainstream to special very easily (within 6 weeks). no objection at all.

The LEA has to provide a suitable education for a child- not the best - a suitable one. Therefore you need to demonstrate why the in-borough provision is unsuitable. Don't focus on 'this out of borough placement would be great for her because...' - you'll get nowhere; stick to 'this in-borough placement is not suitable because it doesn't provide adequate medical care and therefore she cannot receive a suitable education. To receive a suitable education she needs x, y and z on site- oh look this out of borough school provides that'.

Hi no experence of medical needs but wishing you luck in getting whatever is best for DD.

I guess the important thing is to proove that the in-county facility is unsuitable - and/or would be more expensive (providing onsight medical support). Will the commitee understand your dds condition - will you need to spell out the potential problems of no onsite medical care? Ds MLD/ASD school has no ft medical care but many of the children have seizures or other medical needs so staff are well trained. You may need to be ready with auguments as to why this is not enough perhaps.

Good luck with the review and sending a big hug.

Thanks all. Magso, the school for children with MLD has lots of very boisterous and very 'physical' children, very few with medical needs at all (according to Head). Dd is very small and is slowly getting better at walking very short distances in Piedros and splints, so is very 'wobbly' and physically vulnerable - especially when you add in the shunt behind her ear.

Jute, I agree it is an unknown, and we MIGHT be pleasantly surprised! Fingers crossed! I think because dd has a variety of needs (CP, VI, epilepsy, global delay, ADHD, hydrocephalus and is currently only walking very short distances with great effort) we should have a strong case for specialist provision. Coupled with the fact that the gulf between her and her MS peers is widening to a chasm-like gap.

Riven, i think it is harder to go the other way (into FT Special School) hence my disquiet today - but I COULD be surprised! I am glad that you got the provision you wanted for C.

We really want a school in the neighbouring borough for children with VI - and then associated issues. DD's Physio believe's dd's VI impacts on every part of her develoment and learning, and her physical progress and behaviour. It has never been her primary diagnosis (but then I am not sure exactly what is!!) so I am anticipating some raised eyebrows initially.

Thanks all - I will keep you updated!!!

PS Riven - yes Paed will support the School for VI Children, as will the Physio.

Well considered points- (do you need to print it out to prompt you if you get nervous)
Good luck!

Thanks Magso- that is excellent advice, I will do!

Good luck. Let us all know how you get on.

It is really helpful that you have visited the possible school the LEA may request and can state good reasons as to why it is not suitable. IME it is best to seem open and receptive to visiting any school they may suggest whilst knowing you can say why it's no good later. Is the current school backing you and saying they can no longer meet her needs too? As has already been said, it's all about showing the LEA schools will not meet her needs rather than the school you want being better.

A place at a special school is much more expensive than any supported mainstream arrangement and LEAs don't like spending money!

vjg, yes the current mainstream school are saying dd1 cannot access ks2, so she either stays in Yr 2 for the 3rd year in Seot, or she is in Year 3 but 'in a bubble' workign to her own curriculum and not really 'included' with the others. (They are not being harsh, they have been fab with dd1 and I truly believe they do want what's best for her)

I have just had a REALLY weird thing though, and I am wondering if today is going to go our way all day - ir if I have just used up all our luck!! Well..... for 6 months I have been fighting SS to fund a 1-1 for a local After School Club. DD goes to it 1 day a week, but they had previously said they couldn't increase the days unless she was given a 1-1 for a 2nd day. (They are really nice). In Dec SW took my request to a 2nd panel (llllloooooonnnnggg story) and they agreed to fund a place.....but they had to find the 1-1....even though it would be paid through direct payments which they would set up for me...... nothing happened....

Well this morning, totally out of the blue, the organiser of the club called to say they had been given funding to give 5 free evening places to children, and would I like one for dd1???!!! (I am so crap I cried - and explained about SW. Who it turns out has NEVER been in touch with the club or the organiser despite telling me she had....hmmmm.... I am not impressed)The place can start next week!!!

Joy! But, have I used up the luck for the day?!! Oh, the perils of it all!

Thanks for all your help yesterday. The LEA didn't send a rep! The Head Teacher of the mainsteam school reassured us that this is a good sign, as she believes it shows they will not contest the transition to full time special school - I hope so. Everyone there totally believed MS no longer viable, it's just a case of getting the right school now, hopefully. (Although we have to get the go-ahead from the LEA first)

The Social Worker from the Children with Disabilities Team never showed up either, despite reassuring me on the phone on Monday that she would certainly be there. No phone calls/emails to offer apols for missing the meeting either. Honestly, that woman is a waste of space!

Oh SW's are useless at turning up.
All looking optimistic then..... fingers crossed.