Another statement question....sorry!

[Nattynoos]

Hi

Ive got a multi agency meeting tomorrow and the school are going to apply for a statement for my son asd/adhd.

Ive applied for one and been turned down, is it better for me to apply again or is it ok for the school to do it?

Sorry its really confusing and its hard to know what to do for the best.....its taken 4 years to get this far and i dont want it all going wrong now!

TIA

Nattynoos

[Hassled]

It seems to vary county by county - in my county, I've been told by many that it's better, as in more likely to be regarded favourably, if the professionals (so school, SALTs, whatever) make the application (and this was the case in DS3's Statement appplication), but I gather on MN that the opposite is often true in other authorities. It shouldn't, in theory, make any difference at all.
Good luck.

[Nattynoos]

Thank you both for your prompt replies.

Busy that was what i thought i had read on here but just needed it clarified for my own piece of mind! I do agree with you though hassled, that in theory it should not make any difference at all.

Im so nervous about tomorrow and dont know what to expect, im just hoping for the best so thank you both so much.

[daisy5678]

It puts you in control if you apply, and also they have to stick to the time limits. They definitely don't if the school applies! Good luck.

[Nattynoos]

Thank you so much.

[WetAugust]

Whether it's you or school that initiates the request to the LEA, it shouldn't make any difference to the way the LEA decides whether or not to assess for the need for a possible statement.

The timesclaes they should adhere to are laid down in SEN law, so if school applies and you think the LEA are not meeting those deadlines you can complain to the LEA.

If school applies and gets turned down school has no right to appeal HOWEVER - even if it is school that applies and gets turned down you as the parent can appeal against that decision.

Personally, in our aea, it seems to carry more weight if school applies. the LEA seem to think there is then genuine concern as opposed to just a parental concern - but each LEA is different.

Have you got a copy of the SEN COP? That will help you follow the process and understand what should be done and when.

Best wishes