tribunal/appeal form for statementing, i have to fill it in today please help!?!?

[meerkatsandkookaburras]

please the can someone help me i have been burying my head in the sand about having to do this and now am in a panic as have to post forms to arrive at appeal place or whatever its called by wednesday!!going to post it guaranteed next day delivery so it should make it but i really dont know what to put on it and how much detail to go into. the reports that formed ds's appendix to his final statement are rather vague and dont quantify thy just say what he has now rather than what he needs and statements like he needs a lot of support etc!! the statement is not at all quantified and has no ot or salt in it just that the school need to consult with them if necessary but i think he needs assessment and support by them once a term so as to devise the programme of support rather than statement just saying he needs the school to devise a programme of any support he needs... they arent expert on everything, surely for them to know what he needs he needs an ot to go in etc!?! anyway, i just am in a pickle and dont know what to put on forms for appealing statement. do i just put that it needs quantifying as there is no amount placed on his one to on time etc and that the salt and ot need putting in and quantifying or should i be going into much more detail about how much i think he needs and why i think that etc. i dont really know what i should do and i have tried numerous times to get hold of ipsea or sossen and got no answer so will try again today but im hoping some kind person on here will hold my hand and tell me its ok i can do it and guide me on what to write as im feeling useless and want to do it right for my ds but im depressed and tired and sick of all the battles!!

thanks so much to anyone who can give me any help

You need to present your case for his needs. So yes to quantifying and specifying, but what do you think it needs to say?

I'll tell you what to do, go here and look at a few decisions made.

The decisions detail all the arguments put forward by the parents, and what the LA said in response, and what tribunal decided. This will give you an idea of the level of detail. You can narrow it down to, say, ASD.

Just a quick note as I'm posting from my phone. I think you can fax forms on the day of deadline and send the hard copy by post to arrive next day - maybe call SENDIST to check for sure. I have been meeting my tribunal deadlines by email and just sending it on the same day. So that gives you an extra day if you need it.

Try to put as much information in at this stage, but if you can't, you do have a chance to submit evidence and more information at a later date. The most important thing now is to get the form in.

thanks so much im on the case and motivated more now i have some idea, its so hard isnt it what a battle!!

I am pretty certain that they will accept the forms by fax, with a hard copy to follow in the post. Give SENDIST a call, I have found them to be helpful.

Have a look at the advice on ACE's website www.ace-ed.org.uk/Resources/ACE/advice%20booklets/Getting-Statement-Right-Nov09LR.pdf

Also Government guidance on what should be in the Statement is in the SEN Code of Practice 2001.

Just get as much info down now, fax it in to them and then you will have time to submit further information later.

Have just looked at ours to refresh my thoughts. Hope this helps.

Looking at our Reasons for Appeal:

Background:
Ds's age, fact it's his first statement and has particularly complex needs arising from his motor, language and learning difficulties
Where he goes to school
Which parts appealing against - for us 2 and 3 as happy with 4
Reference to attached expert witness report and notification of other reports to follow

Appeal:
Basis of appeal (i.e. Parts 2 and 3)
Fact will set out below changes wish to see made
Fact that once all expert witnesses will submit a "working document" incorporating in detail the changes we want

Then in detail

• Part 2:

Fact we reserve the right to comment on this further once expert witnesses reports all received

• Part 3:

- Objectives Fact we reserve the right to comment on this further once expert witnesses reports all received - Educational Provision to meet needs and Objectives Outlines changes we want to see at this stage, though reserve right to make further comment on this once expert witnesses reports all received

Some of our RFA was posted, some was faxed on day. We checked with them a few days before (by email) to check this was possible

Also try your local Parent Partnership - they can help you through the education process and give advice. They also help fill out forms and may even do a bit of handholding if you need someone at any meetings or any appeals you need to go to.

Personally, I am rather wary of our local Parent Partnership. They are far too cosy and friendly with the SEN Officers for my liking, but I think that it varies from area to area.

thanks everyone, i have drafted it ready to post guaranteed next day tomorrow and if ds ever sleeps tonight i can get it written properly and ready to post!! thanks so much everyone i guess i just needed a bit of handholding and support to get me to believe in myself etc!!

all bloody stress isnt it!! our parent partnership are very hit and miss, one lady is lovely but one told me "he doesnt need anything in his statement really as its not like he cant walk is it"!!!!!! i just didnt know what to say! ds has autism with related sensory issues and generally a bit behind in some areas and more behind in others, pretty typical autism i guess