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Original poster

It is the LEA Panel today to decide dd1's school from September - please wish us luck.....

34 replies

PheasantPlucker · 21/04/2009 10:09

So, it goes to Panel today. We really want dd1 to go to a special school which takes children with VI and associated disabilities. DD1 is registered as visually impaired (plus CP, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, global delay, ADHD) and the school themselves have offered dd1 a place from September. LEA Panel however (according to lovely caseworker - that is not me being sarcastic, she really is lovely!) are likely not to approve this. Caseworker actually said 'I see this one going to appeal'.

Please send some good vibes our way if you can spare any!!!!

Thanks.

OP posts:
silverfrog · 21/04/2009 10:12

good luck!

I have a meeting with LEA ed psych this afternoon, where i (and dd1's current school) will be defending our position - LEA are bound to say dd1 will cope in mainstream, which she won't.

cyberseraphim · 21/04/2009 10:12

Good Luck - Where else do they have in mind? It seems crazy if the school agree it is suitable.

cyberseraphim · 21/04/2009 10:14

I'm waiting for a decision about an ASD school that we hope DS1 might go to. The letters are supposed to be on their way.

glitteryb6 · 21/04/2009 10:36

good luck!
i was told it could be a battle to get ds into the PI school i wanted that was outwith the LA, our area is mostly geared towards ASD and they usually tend to push for mainstream for kids with CP, but it went to the panel and was approved no bother!
hope it goes as smoothly for you

Original poster
PheasantPlucker · 21/04/2009 11:02

Thanks all. To be honest it does seem very wierd that we have been told to expact a struggle, as common sense (to me) would suggest it is an ideal school. It is out of borough, but the borough has nothing suitable (even they admit that. Although still trying the mainstream tack at times too)

dd1 is at a one form entry mainstream school 3 days a week, and 2 at a special school (also out of borough - LEA are saying this particular school is not 'challenging enough' for dd1, and she will not have peers of a similar level to her). The MS school is on one level, with some very proactive and fantasic staff. Even they are admitting that dd1 is falling massively behind her peers (already been held back in year 2, ie repeated it this year). We have backing for the health professionals who see dd1 - they made the suggestion of the school in the first place.

But the LEA seem doubtful!!! Can you see any logic there - unless it is that old one, money!

The school we want her to go to actually emailed me after they assessed her. The Dep Head said they had 'fallen in love with mini-pheasant' and would 'be delighted to offer her a place at their school from September'. Which is nice!

So fingers crossed.................

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Original poster
PheasantPlucker · 21/04/2009 11:05

Sorry - my point about current MS school is that if a small school on one level is struggling with dd1, where else in the borough do they suggest MS wise?!

(Yes I still have the chicken poxy dd1 here, talking to me as I type. Spots got infected so we have fucidin to use on the nappy area which got really nasty

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Aefondkiss · 21/04/2009 11:06

Fingers crossed indeed, really hope your dd gets the place Pheasant - the whole money thing makes me

Phoenix4725 · 21/04/2009 11:09

good luck am waiting to hear about propsed statement any time soon to

5inthebed · 21/04/2009 11:13

Best luck. I have my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Original poster
PheasantPlucker · 21/04/2009 11:47

Thanks all!

Silverfrog good luck with Ed Psych, Phoenix good luck with statement proposal, CyberSeraphim best of luck with the school.

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littlesilversnowbeetle · 21/04/2009 11:48

Best of luck with it Pheasant xx

AttilaTheMeerkat · 21/04/2009 11:51

Good luck Pheasant!!.

Original poster
PheasantPlucker · 21/04/2009 12:30

OH MY GOD!!! I just got a call - the LEA have agreed to the school!!!!!!!

Yay!!!! The relief is incredible - and, I have been saving a bit as I was convinced we would need to go to Tribunal (from what Caseworker said) and would need legal representation, so now I have a bit of extra cash!!!!!!!! JOY!!!

I am off to do a little dance.......

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Phoenix4725 · 21/04/2009 12:33

thats fantstic news

cyberseraphim · 21/04/2009 12:37

Great News - A hopefully not rare case of common sense prevailing

Aefondkiss · 21/04/2009 12:46

great news

Original poster
PheasantPlucker · 21/04/2009 12:52

Totally agree re common sense - let's hope this hapens for all our children and their schooling, that they go to the schools best suited to their needs, with the support of the LEA.

I am stil smiling - and the caseworker sounded as surprised as me when she relayed the news!

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saintlydamemrsturnip · 21/04/2009 13:06

wow- well done!!! An LEA who saw sense.

cyberseraphim · 21/04/2009 13:11

I don't understand how they rationalise these decisions - in our area , mainstream does not seem that common for SN children (though have not extensively researched). I know a family with a HFA boy who is very able/NTish but who has not been offered mainstream (which parents would prefer). Do they really just make it up according to the places available?

sc13 · 21/04/2009 13:23

Excellent - nice to hear some good news

jenk1 · 21/04/2009 13:31

WONDERFUL!!!!!

silverfrog · 21/04/2009 13:51

Brilliant

That must be such a relief, and to have the bonus of a bit of extra cash too - make sure you treat yourself!

glitteryb6 · 21/04/2009 14:11

Yay! great news!

Original poster
PheasantPlucker · 21/04/2009 15:00

Thanks all! I just spoke with dd1's physiotherapist, who worked so hard to get dd1 into the school, and will deffo get her some flowers/wine with the money. I am the ring bearer at a wedding in July (I won't be doing a Gollum with the 'preciousssssss'!!) so I think I will get a new dress! I am still in shock, and totally delighted.

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bubblagirl · 21/04/2009 15:07

only just seen this great news xx