Why don't we all lobby on SEN now?

[newlife4us]

Yes - i know i may be sightly delusional, but with Nick Clegg and David Cameron currently negotiating on policies, including those relating to SEN, why don't we all push for what we want?

I do agree that there is probably an arguement for an increase in the number of special schools for those children for whom this may be appropriate. However, a huge number of the threads on here relate to the currently impartial and unfair system in relation to assessment and provision of support in mainstream schools. So why don't we all lobby now ?

I know that our views are likely to be ignored, but surely with this on the agenda, it is worth telling them what we want.

Any views? MNHQ is there any way we can come together on this and get them to listen?

Hello. OBM and I have been talking to Every Disabled Child Matters about possible ways we could work together. Would be very interested to hear SN posters' views about priority issues.

Thanks Starlight. The assessment/provision issue did come up when we spoke to EDCM, pretty much as you outline it.

to get rid of one size fits all approach!

Full assessments done within 6 months of problems flagged/referred and each child to have their own specific care/education/social pathway which is best 'evidence based' to work and that ideally fits in with the family's life also! Health, Education and Social to come together to take responsibility instead of parents chasing their tails as they dont know which organisation/professional does what.

The whole framework to be made 'law' and with legal time limits (like they have for Stat assessment/statements) so every child gets 'equal' chance as next and all assessments/diagnosis/pathway of treatment education within specific timelimits so treatment/help can be given asap.

Of course this would cost $$$$$ in red tape and then services would have to cut back to cover the overspend.

I can only dream.

And more mainstream specialist provision for children with specific learning difficulties so their higher abilities in some areas can be catered for in the right environment for them to achieve. At the moment my daughters options are a moderate learning difficulties school which top level of attainment on offer is one GCSE in ART or a mainstream comprehensive which would be a difficult environment for her in which she would need a lot of support which would leave her a target for bullying. There is of course the Independent sector which the nearest suitable school is a 55 minute TAXI journey one way, hardly ideal if the LEA would agree to pay the costs which again would probably be more of my daughters time wasted whilst we may have to go to a Tribunal.

Something I feel strongly a bout (even before my current situation) is that a little bit of help straight away often means less help later on

I have witnessed this with speech therapy & family support, where a really light touch very early on in a child's life prevented long-term problems

Obviously this is not for significant disabilities but if there were scope for some immediate action.....a stitch in time saves nine (so to speak)

I echo what the others have said, there is currently a HUGE stinking conflict of interest, with the Assessment panel & LEA fubding budget holders being one & the same.
This is NOT in the best interest of the child, the school or as is often the case the other pupils in the school.

The assessment team must be suitably qualified & experienced persons completely seperate to the LEA & the LEA MUST be more accountable for their actions or lack of actions if they fail to impliment & fund the resources needed as recommended by the assessors.

SN schools & units must not be allowed to refuse pupils based on their dx or even lack of dx - where an assessment panel recommends a type of provision ut should not be dependant on dx.

Outreach support in to m/s must be more readily available & again not available only upon dx.

& of course TRAINING TRAINING TRAINING - for teachers, LSA'S & All support staff- MUST be compulsary.

Communication - all primary schools should include MAKATON as standard - All children benefit & being undrestood & understanding others really can make the difference between success & failure for a young child in ms school

OH & please please please talk to the parents!