Access to documentation for stat assessment

[streakybacon]

I've also posted this in SEN so apologise to those who read it twice!

Last Oct I applied for stat assessment for my then 9 yo with Asperger's. It was turned down, and shortly afterwards things got so bad in his school that I took him out to home ed. I intend this to be at least a long-term solution, probably permanent. I didn't appeal the decision because it's no longer an issue to provide support in school now he's not there, and anyway I actually believe his needs could be met at SA+ and reckon SENDIST would find the same.

However, if our circumstances change in the future I may need to return ds to the school system. I know that had I pursued an appeal I would have received all the documentation relating to the application at some point, but I'd like to have copies of everything that's been submitted so far. There's evidence that school have not been truthful about their experiences with ds and I think it would be useful for me to be aware of these opinions if I need to argue his case for stat assessment in the future.

So, what's the legal position about requesting stat assessment documents at this stage? Has anyone done it before and what response have you had?

thanks
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I think that you would be able to request the documents from the SEN dept and don't see why they would refuse. I would actually appeal the turning down (if you're still within the time limits) because I have followed your story on here and other websites that I think we're both on (I recognise your story) and I think he does need, and would get, a Statement. You might also be able to get him into a school that would meet his needs better. You can ask the school for an entire copy of his file and they HAVE to give it to you. The LEA might not have to but I think they would.

Hi Givemesleep

Thanks for your reply. I am still within time limits to appeal but frankly I am overwhelmed with things I MUST DO that I don't have time to pursue it a this stage, although I see that I do haveto keep my options open for the future. I'm having to choose my battles carefully depending on what I can fit in - ds is a full-time job at the moment as he's still rather fragile at times and he does need to have an education (I have already been casually threatened with child protection investigation for not answering supposedly optional questions relating to Home Ed, so have had to spend a lot of time placating the LEA on that score).

Will phone SEN contact today and request the statement file.

Thanks for your help.
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