SENCO says they will support our application for SA

[debs40]

Blimey, saw SENCO today about including DS on school trip and we talked about me applying for a SA. He said he wasn't going to apply as school would get turned down but said he thought DS was 'in the bracket'. I asked whether he would support our application and he said yes.

He still tried to pull a fast one on me with the Ed Psych. We agreed a referral about a month ago, today he said 'aren't we waiting for Autism Outreach before we do that'. I said no that wasn't what had been agreed with the Early Bird Plus team a few weeks back.

I then said we were probably going to get an independent Ed Psych report anyway and would need to make sure she did not duplicate tests. He was a bit dismissive of the idea of a 'private' ed psych as he said the LA team were very good and if a child deserved a statement they would get one . However the very mention of an independent ed psych had him saying he would get LA ed psych to see urgently.

Worried what independent ed psych might say perhaps??

Crumbs - a result at last Debs - excellent.

It just shows that school would have let this drag on indefinitely, so you are definitely doing the right thing.

I'd also carry on with the private Ed Pysch report - I think you'll find it much more useful that the LA's pared down version.

Best wishes

Thanks Wet. I got in contact with the Ed Psych you suggested but I got passed sideways to a colleague. I asked a couple of questions but have not had a response. Will chase again.

If anyone has any other ed psych suggestions, I'd be very grateful

Yep I saw your email. I don't know the person that her sec passed you to. She did have a very long waiting list (5 months) when we saw her - but she was very very thorough.

Hi Debs, just to say well done, you deserve for things to move in your favour. That is great news, im so pleased for you and hopefully this will make your fight a little easier.

Thanks - Wet have now booked Ruth for Sept. She will do the case if there is a possibility of a Tribunal.

How does that fit in with a stat assessment application? If LA refuse application and we appeal, which is likely, how long before we get a Tribunal date?

The usual waiting list for SENDIST is around 5 months, but they don't sit during the summer.

By the LA decide /refuse SENDIST wouldn't hear your complaint this side ofteh summer break so Sept is OK. (I did say her waiting list was long - but you've got the best).

Thanks Wet. We would just feel better ourselves knowing that we have done all we can for him.

The LA EP is supposed to be seeing DS before the summer. I understand they can't duplicate tests within 6 months. Do you think this will cause a problem?

Also, anyone any suggestions for a SALT?

There are loads of Tests EPs can do-just let your private EP know which ones have been done and she can do different ones.

Ta very much!