Statutory Assessment Agreed for DS2 but not DS1 - update

[starfish71]

Hi everyone wanted to update on what has been happening and put it all down to see if it makes sense!

Found out on Monday that panel agreed to assess DS2 but not DS1 (he is doing too well academically to warrant one I have been told...). Am trying to be sensible and see if I will gain anything by going to appeal or just try to liaise with DS1's new comp and make sure things are in place for him there.

Am really pleased that they are going to assess DS2 and really hope we get a positive outcome and he is issued a statement as I want him out of the school he is in now as they are useless.

I had a meeting with DS2's teacher on Thursday and he made clear that DS2 would progress better in a special school and that even if a statement was issued he wouldn't get any more support in school then he is getting now! DS2 gets no one to one now and is only in small focus groups.

I then spoke to the SENCO after school who was really on the defensive and said that yes if a statement was to be issued that if DS2 stayed in their school he would not get any 1 to 1. Now I know this is a lot of rubbish and I am past caring to be honest - it is making me feel ill. I said to her that we all know DS2 would be better off in a different school and she said yes.

I feel really sad and let down - none of the strategies suggested by Autism Outreach have even been tried and they do not have the will to try and help him - can't believe this is a 21st century school.

I just hope the system works for my lovely little boy and he will get into a school soon that can fully support him.

I am feeling so down and sad - my DS2 is a quiet, happy boy who does not cause any disruption in school and they are letting him down badly.

Hi Star

So, good and bad news.

Don't worry about the school situation with DS2 yet - see the Statementing assessment through by which you'll have a greater knowledge of his needs and what support he will require. It sounds as though is current school will support a transfer to SN school - but it's up to you whether to push for adequate support in mainstream or go down the SN school route.

With DS1 it's probably just a metter of keeping a very vigilant eye on things and reapplying if there's not improvement.

Bestw wishes

Good news about DS2.

With DS1, doing 'too well academically' is not a reason to refuse assessment, if there are social/language or emotional/behavioural issues. I don't know if any of those apply to your son. But I think that if you don't appeal, you can't ask for a stat assessment again for a year? The majority of SA appeals go in parents' favour, so if you think you do have a case and can get evidence, I'd still consider putting in an appeal.

Thank you Wetaugust and Sugarcandymountain for your replies. Me and DH will have a good long think about what to do about DS1 - letter we received this morning about refusing to assess just said 'insufficient evidence'.

I am just struggling with it all at moment. It is really hurting me to think that school don't really want my DS2 there. I know its very early days and DS2 hasn't got a diagnosis yet but it seems everyone has made up their minds about him already..

Thank you for replying - does help to know I am not alone going through this. x

Hi Starfish71. I would definitely appeal for DS1 if you think his needs are not being met. Have you got the SEN code of practice. That is really useful.

Glad you got SA for DS2!

You can request a Stat Assess at any time - the LA can refuse if it's less than 6 months since the last Stat Assess - however as Star's LA refused to assess she could either appeal or re-submit her request next week - the 6 months only apply if they have actually assessed.

Thanks WetAugust, I was confusing it with reassessment, sorry if I was misleading anyone.

If current school is being so unsupportive, I would start looking at alternative provision. So much of the success of a child depends on having school on board - even if you get a statement, you might find yourself fighting the school to implement it correctly. You don't have to restrict your search to schools in your LA or even state-maintained schools, you can argue for independent specialist provision if you can show that nothing else can meet his needs. It is harder to win, but the right provision makes a huge difference.

Totally agree Sugar.