School meeting today

[debs40]

Today we have our SENCO class teacher meeting at last.

DS now has a SALT report with lots of recommendations, including that we go on an Early Bird Plus course with a TA from DS's class. The rest of the recommendations include things like a home/school book, a sign to use for help, repeating class insructions directly to him, a social skills group, communication meetings with a TA.

This is all before we've seen the OT who will undoubtedly recommend assistance for DS's coordination/hypotonia

So, how does the rest of this fit with 'in school' help scheme - SA plus etc.

The problem I always face with these school matters is that DS is actually doing ok academically and there seems to be a reluctance to formalise help while this is the case.

Would you expect a child needing this type of intervention to be on a statement or for them to try SA etc first? I just need to get that clear in my head

I pick up DS this afternoon and he has come home, again, without his reading book. So, I go back into class (we hadn't left the playground when I thought to check). Teacher says - I did remind him to take it several times.

The whole point is that reminding him verbally will never be enough.

Then it turns out that he should have been handing in his homework book and that is why he hasn't been given any or had any marked for several weeks.

What is it that they can't understand? SALT has said it is best to try using visual prompts and schedules. We do and it works.

I've now prepared my own schedule for the morning routine and will have to ensure I work out something for homework too.

They seem to have this attitude that the boys are all like that in their class but they will eventually learn if they leave them to it.

But.....he's autistic. He needs them to help him.

God, do they need the Early Bird Plus scheme. I've asked consultant for some literature to pass on to them.

Morning Debs40, its frustrating isnt it!

I think the thing to bear in mind is that most staff have no or very little SN knowledge or training, so they really dont understand. Even the SENCO although she may have training, she doesnt have training in EVERY SN, just general training, which doesnt help when dealing with individual SN. What is common sense and as plain as the nose on your face to you, is like double dutch to them!

I am learning, you have to be extremely specific and direct with what you want them to do.

Oh and you will be labelled as precious, over anxious and mollycoddling, but who cares, im not there to make friends!

I think you are right claw - you do have to have a hide of leather! I will stay with DS and do his list every day until he gets it as them chasing him and telling him will not help.

I am on a mission to educate by example!

You go girl

Thanks Starlight. They are good suggestions. I am speaking to the community paed this week about the IEP and she is going to take advice from the Ed Psych too. I'm going to let school know that I've asked for advice on strategies.