What would you do/say?

[CardyMow]

My 6yo DS has (numerous) problems. Today I was doing some maths work with his sister (also has lots of additional needs). She is 11 yo, and is just starting to 'touch on' key stage 2 maths, for Y3 (she's Y7,BTW). While I was doing this, he kept shouting the (correct) answers out. Now in school, he is in the bottom maths group (in Y1) because, due to his muscle problems, he is basically unable to produce written work (he has NO pencil control). The school are working on him counting to 20, when he was telling me the correct answers to 3x4, 5x5 etc. The SenCo has told me that the school only has one laptop for SEN and a Y6 is using it ATM, and DS will get it at the start of Y2. Is it reasonable of me to feel that the lack of a laptop is holding him back at school, and the school needs to find the budget now not in a yrs time? He has the same problem with his other subjects as well, and I'm constantly being told this yr (by a teacher I like and respect) that he is messing around a lot through boredom, but there's nothing she can do, he needs a laptop. I'm on benefits, and can't afford to provide one. Should I speak to SenCo? What do I do?

And no, I don't get DLA, his needs are lots, but each one on it's own doesn't qualify. I'm in the process of re-applying ATM, but at present, I only have DLA for myself, which all goes on transport as I'm not allowed to drive.

. does he have a 1-1? thinking she could scribe for him?

I agree with Riven- the school are not meeting his needs, dd1 is 2 years ahead with maths and english, luckily her pencil skills are good and the school have put her with older children this year so she can do harder work (next year will be a different story as they cant move her up any more).

If he needs a lap-top the school should be able to find funding for one. If you can get a statement it will be a great help.

Speak to the school and see if they can access funding for a lap-top if they can't then tell them you will be getting a statement for your ds.

There is a pilot scheme for home computers for those on low incomes called Home Access - its being rolled out nationally - if you qualify you get £500 for a laptop + a years free internet.
The website says if need extras due to SN or assistive software this should also be provided. You need to be on free school meals to be eligible.

Becta

If you call 0333 200 1004 you will get through to where you can get an application for the package.

The following link will lead to one of the sites that is providing the Home Access packages. It shows more clearly than I can explain.

www.homeaccessgrant.com/homeaccess.html

I am also on benefits which is why my child qualifies. You have to have recent (within the last year) proof of your child benefit allowance on official paper to send in with the application.

Good luck

oooohhh! However, I went in and spoke to the Senco on Monday, and she said that she understood and she would do her best to come up with a laptop very soon as she agreed it was holding him back, although she didn't quantify what her definition of soon actually is....and this is the same SenCo that miserably failed my DD for 5 years, so I'm not exactly filled with confidence in what she says. I will definately look into this thingy, as I may be able to get one for him sooner. I would assume I would qualify as I'm entitled to free school meals. Cheers for that!

On another note, he doesn't get ANY 1-2-1 at school, it's all small group and class work, 2 TA's in class with teacher but they are split between : 2 other boys with asd, a profoundly deaf girl who's waiting for a cochlear implant and 2 children with english as a second language. And my DS. AND I'm just about to try (yet again) to get a statement for my DD, and as she's nearly 12, I fell I need to concentrate on her first, then take on the LEA about DS2)

feel not fell??!!