They've agreed to assess...what next?

[APassionateWoman]

Got the letter through on Friday saying the LEA have agreed to do a statutory assessment of DS.

It says they will now write to the following to get information on DS:

• The Health Authority (does that include CAMHS, SALT, Paed etc?)
• The Educational Psychology Service (DS has never seen an Ed Psych)
• the Headteacher (fine)

Community Services (who/what does this cover?)

I have 29 days (from 14th April) to provide a parent's report and 'any other reports that may be relevant'.

I feel overwhelmed.

I have already sent a a copy of all the professional reports I've got so far. We are still waiting for several reports from CAMHS.
We have an appointment with the Paed after the 29 days is up. CAMHS have also referred us for a diagnostic assessment (for ASD) but the appt hasnt even come through yet. Also have an OT appt that hasn't come through yet.

How can I build a good case? What do I need to include? Do I need to ring around the professionals and get them on board (I know CAMHS and the school are on board, but not sure about others...)

Help!

APassionateWoman This is a bit of a long and involved process, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If I were you, then I would contact a help organisation such as IPSEA (often very busy) or SOSSEN (www.sossen.org.uk - lots of good advice here - see especially the "Help and Advice" page for information sheets) as they have much experience of other cases and the pitfalls. The LEA rely upon Parents not knowing or understanding rules - do not use Parent Partnership as they are paid by the LEA - I wonder where their allegiance lay??
I am sorry to say, but is very unlikely you will get a good statement (good = meeting needs) without going to Tribunal. But tackle things bit by bit and you will be an expert like all those who have gone before.
To answer your q's
Health Authority - yes all of those
Ed Psych - they will arrange for an assessment (probably)
Comm Serv - probably a 'not known to this service' (unless there have been problems in the past where they were involved)
The LA will get at least a SALT and EP to assess in school - I would write to the school and say "no assessment without my prior knowledge and opportunity to attend the assessment" - it is your right to attend if you wish - don't be put off with the 'it will effect results' nonsense - they do not want you there to take notes of what was done and how long it took. (independent report approx 4 hours, LEA/NHS approx 20 mins - it is not in their interest to do a full and in depth assessment as that shows up problems that need to be addressed!!)
What do you need to build a good case in a word - evidence. Speak to SOSSEN and they will lead you through the procedure.
Sorry this is lengthy - hope it helps some?

Hmm...I think that it is possible to get a good Statement without Tribunal - J had one until very recently - but you have to fight a bit to get there and be very firm about what is needed and why.

Think along the lines of:

X has Y and z needs.

This is backed up by x report by y, where it says "blah blah"

This means that he needs x help, y many times a week, for z hours.

Without this help, x would experience x, y and z difficulties.

TheMatrix- I don't feel as negative as you about our parent partnership. We found them very helpful when our son was facing lots of exclusions. Perhaps this is just one of the many things that vary from area to area.
APassionatewoman- do you have a good relationship with the Comm Paed? If you ring his/her secretary and explain the situation you might be able to bring the appointment forward. Although ours is always heavily booked they keep one or two appointments for emergencies.