Anyone sought legal advice over SEN issues - just don't know what to do next!!

[sarah573]

J is 10 with AS. He's on home tution at the moment, and due to start secondary in sept. Have given lots of though to where he should go then, and have found 2 possibles - one special, one MS, the plan being to dual register him with a gradual transition to MS from the special school. There was only one place in the city I believe to be absolutely and completely unsuitable for J and that is the EBD school. Everyone is very clear on my views about this.

On Tuesday there was a reivew meeting of J's home tution (which is normal and happens every couple of months), to which I was invited but couldn't attend as it conviniently clashed with school pick up for my other 2 DCs. When I asked for the meeting to be changed I was brushed off with it was just a review of his tution, not to worry blar blar, which I stupidly accepted. J's psychologist from CAMHS (who supports me over the EBD school) was also invited but only 2 hours before so obviously was unable to attend.

Today the lady who co-ordinates tution phoned me to tell me the outcome of the meeting (which it now transpires consisted of the SEN team, the SENCO from the MS I have asked for, someone from the EBD - and not just the ususal cosy chat between J's tutor and home tution co-ordinater). She told me it had been decided that J's tution will be moved to the EBD school after easter with a view to him attending there in Sept.

I am absolutely furious about this. I don't know what to do now! He isn't going there ever, I don't believe and EBD school is the place for any autistic child full stop, and certinally won't be sending my son.

What do I do now?? My immediate reaction was to go and get some legal advice from a solicitor, but Im worried about the cost, Im a single parent and don't have much money.

Any advice really really appreciated.

Heck!

That is just plain underhand, it really is.

Two thoughts - IPSEA www.ipsea.org.uk/ for free legal advice on SEN matters

and the Data Protection Act allows you to request a Data Subject Access of whichever groups are meeting which means they have to give you copies of any correspondence relating to you/your son. It costs up to £10 and they have 40 days to comply. Then you get to see what they've been saying about you/him. www.ico.gov.uk/ is the link for advice on how to do it.

All LEAs have different ways of doing things but as a SENCo I would suggest...

• I don't know about dual registration, but I would insist on the special school and then look into integration at a later date once he is settled (1 battle at a time!)
• write to the coordinator lady, and Special Services (or whoever coordinates SEN provision) and refuse the place stating why
• request another meeting at YOUR convenience
• if no joy at next meeting, contact IPSEA who are an SEN advice group (who are v good at fighting on a parent's behalf)

You have other routes than a self funded one, IPSEA can advise on how best to do it.

Good luck and stick to your guns!!

This is dreadfully sneaky of them! I am so sorry.
You could try the NAS advocacy in education helpline, - it was 0845 070 4002 when I had need of them. You leave a message and they ring you back a few days later. They did not charge me for advice, and were very helpful.

They shouldnt have decided such a thing without you agreeing first. Very sorry that they have done this to you.

No words of advice I'm afraid, but just wanted to send you a

Very sorry to read this has happened, this has all been done by the backdoor.

Would also suggest you take this matter up with your MP. Go along to one of his/her surgeries and take any and all paperwork you have with you.

Do contact IPSEA as well; they are very good.

speaking from the dark side (I am a social worker), councils are terrified of solicitors, MPs and even local councillors getting involved.

In my experience, it is the squeaky wheel that gets the oil, so to speak. That's not how it should be, but how it is.

I don't know if you would qualify for legal aid to assist with this, but in some circumstances it has been granted for this sort of thing. I would imagine Citizens Advice Bureau might be able to suggest a solicitor in this field.

Hello sarah573, I am a barrister and i am attempting to gain as much case experience with issues of SEN.

I would be willing to help you on a pro bona basis.

my email is [email protected]

Pro Bono = free, in case people are wondering.

David that would be fantastic, I will email you this evening.

SOS!SEN are brilliant
A lady called Claire Frankline at ASSET is also brill - she charges but not mega amounts but she only takes on a small amounts of cases. If you want her number then leave me your email address.

Good luck

Deeply pissoffing situation. You've been stitched up. Isn't NAS advice that EBD is totally unsuitable for autistic provision???

Does 'informed consent' not apply? If they didn't inform you of the purpose of the meeting, then surely your declining the invitation cannot be taken as agreement.

Have you already tried the 'stroppy-angry letter? Maybe even asking them in writing if they will hold the meeting again or do you need to seek legal advise....