Advice about timescales (bit long)

[PouffeGalore]

Ds (10) suspected AS but Ados test not due until Sept. Various difficulties at school (mostly playtimes) and he has also been traumatised by infant school failure to understand and meet his needs so having to have counselling. Had review meeting this week and advised that behaviour support will do a couple of observations and report back at next meeting in June. Behaviour support have been involved at various points over the years and slight improvement seen for a while but nothing longlasting. I raised issue of SA request and senco said that if I put in for this now I would not get it due to lack of evidence and best to wait until after meeting in June and that behaviour support advice would be key. Senco leaves the school in July but has said she will do paperwork before she goes! Also mentioned that as 1 IEP shows him on SA that going back onto SA+ will be seen as a blip by LA. I feel that the fact he has been on SA+ for almost 4 years when infants requested SA that surely shows that going back on SA+ is no blip. Only went on SA for 1 term. Concerned about secondary choices but senco said that if we got a statement that we could name any school and did not have to worry about timescales - is this correct? Any thoughts/advice greatly appreciated.

The test is 'probably'. They can't refuse to assess if your child 'probably' needs a statement. The fact that intervention is failing supports you. Put in your request now, then if they turn you down, you can re-submit in November.

Thanks Lou/Starlight. I did state that as LA have 6 weeks to decide then the meeting in 4 weeks falls within that time so there should be evidence but was told that the LA could decide before the six weeks ! When I send my initial letter requesting SA what should I include with it and how detailed should the request be. Should I mention that SA has been refused previously and that he is traumatised by failure to have his needs met?

Statements are issued ideally on basis of need. They cannot refuse due to supposed "lack of evidence".

www.ipsea.org.uk have model letters you can use to write to the LEA if you are wondering about that. You will need to write to the Chief Education Officer at your LEA and give them six weeks to reply.

Would agree with Starlight here - apply for the Statement asap. It can take six months to get one of these documents set up anyway.
If they refuse again appeal their crass decision.