I've just finished my contribution towards DDs assessment for her statement...

[Sidge]

.... and it was worse than doing my dissertation!

I feel quite emotional now, writing her needs down in black and white is like a punch in the face. I mean I know what her problems are, and I know how important it is to give all the info so they can allocate her what she needs, but my life it's awful to do

Oh well, better get it posted and wait for the reply.

[tibni]

It is horrible, rates along DLA application in the knife in heart stakes.

Hope it helps get your dd the help she needs.

[Sidge]

Thanks tibni, I was thinking it's like doing the DLA forms. But worse in a way as her education depends on it!

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Sidge

You need to give the LEA six weeks to reply - mark that date on your calendar.

Good luck, be prepared though for the LEA to say no. If this happens you must appeal promptly.

Having organisations like IPSEA and SOS;SEN on side are good too. They are both good at the minefield that can be the statementing process.

[Sidge]

Thanks Attila - the letter said they have 6 weeks but the chap who is the SEN officer for our county said he hopes to reply sooner, as they want to get the school ready before they break up for the summer. She won't need much in the way of equipment, but will need a 1:1. The school we have chosen are really switched on and have already earmarked someone for her!

I am sure they will give her a statement, it's more the hours of 1:1 I am preparing to do battle for. But I can be a gobshite and won't be put off easily Have bookmarked IPSEA should I need them. Thanks.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Sidge,

I sincerely hope you're right re them giving her a statement. Many people I know of (including me) have fought long and hard to get such a document in place for their child.

Be prepared to fully be a gobshite when it comes to the LEA!!. Be aware also of woolly worded and vague statements. Would strongly suggest you speak to IPSEA and or SOS;SEN to run through the proposed statement document when it is finally received. Parts 2 and 3 are vitally important; this has to be bang on right because once agreed it will not be changed or without much tussle.

Read the SEN code of practice as well - you can quote this at the LEA should they become difficult!.

As the Statement can take six months plus to set up once the LEA agree to assess it may not be ready in time for September. Do bear that point in mind.

Good luck!!

[Sidge]

Thanks for all the advice, it's nice to get more info from someone who has been there and got the T-shirt.

I hope I'm right re her statement too! I can't imagine she won't get one, she has a genetic disorder causing complex needs; as you said, the problem is more the fine details. I believe our county is pretty reasonable when it comes to statementing, the arguments will start when I see exactly what they plan to allocate her. For example she has no speech at all, so vague waffle in the statement such as "input required from SALT" will cut no mustard here.

Where can I find the SEN code of practice? Haven't heard of that. We started the process in October, most people have done their reports so I am hoping things won't be delayed for her starting in September (I know, I know, I'm probably hopelessly naive!) If things aren't in place I have it in mind to keep her at her excellent pre-school until they are ready at school - she isn't 5 until 2009 so legally she doesn't have to start in September (but I know that's not ideal). It's just all so stressful and exhausting isn't it - even more so I imagine if it becomes a battle with the LEA.

It was so simple when DD1 started school - pick a school, fill in a form and off she went!