I've just received the parent pack through for a request for Statutory Assessment for dss and wondered if anyone had any tips for filling these out? Read some great advice on here how to word DLA forms effectively, which was successful, so hoping for more of the same!
We had a request declined 2 years ago age 11 (was told it wouldn't be worth appealing the decision as academically he was doing well)
Dss has now been permanently excluded from school and is attending a support unit where he is doing better with more support.
My main concerns about dss that I want to get across are:
Lack of concentration - often gets up to wander around classroom or chooses to do something else (mostly read a book instead of working, not a heinous crime but not what he should be doing!)
Contradicting the above; if something interests him enough he engrosses himself completely in it - will be absorbed in whatever it is and wont hear you speak to him or notice anything around him, it's as it he's in a bubble. Usually the topic of interest is not what he should be doing.
Frustration and tantrums (storming out, shouting, throwing things etc) if he isn't able to do what he wants to do. Has difficulties with boundaries / discipline and can react very negatively to these
Intelligent and capable but only produces work if an adult is encouraging him constantly. Therefore doesn't work in less structured lessons such as tech, pe, science
Needs a strong routine, doesn't cope well with change (ie a supply teacher) and will often affect all day with one small change to routine. (we use a timetable at home effectively)
Other issues that aren't directly linked to education (should they be mentioned?)
Taking things literally (not understanding what people really mean with phrases such as 'I nearly died when he said that'
Not understanding body language, facial expression or tone of voice or personal space
Very clumsy, accident prone, forgetful, often seems not to be listening or to have ignored you, but genuinely think he forgets what he has been asked to do instantly! (timetable helps with this!)
That seems to be the basics, how do I get these concerns across most effectively?!
Sorry that's pretty long! Thanks in advance